Basketball Game Preview: Mercer Mustangs vs. Hickory Hornets

The Mercer Mustangs are taking a road trip to take on the Hickory Hornets at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Mercer is coming into the match on a four-game losing streak.

Last Thursday, Mercer lost to Grove City at home by a 58-42 margin. While losing is never fun, the Mustangs can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 294th, while the Eagles are ranked 55th).

Meanwhile, a well-balanced attack led Hickory over Grove City in every quarter on their way to victory on Tuesday. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that Hickory blew Grove City out of the water with a 71-35 final score. The Hornets have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won six games by 21 points or more this season.

Hickory pushed their record up to 11-4 with the win, which was their third straight at home. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 70.7 points per game. As for Mercer, their defeat dropped their record down to 11-5.

Mercer suffered a grim 68-47 defeat to Hickory in their previous matchup two weeks ago. Can Mercer avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.