Basketball Game Preview: Columbia Roughnecks vs. Wharton Tigers

Columbia hasn't had much luck against Wharton recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The two teams will compete for holiday cheer at 7:00 p.m. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Columbia is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Tuesday. They were one points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 65-64 heartbreaker at the hands of Brazosport.

Meanwhile, Wharton entered their match against La Marque on Tuesday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. Wharton lost 54-31 to La Marque. The contest was a close 18-17 at the break, but unfortunately for the Tigers it sure didn't stay that way.

Columbia will have to keep a close watch on Jameir Hearne-Robinson and Keilon Jackson, a pair of players who had a big impact on Wharton's prior game. Hearne-Robinson posted 11 points along with five boards and four steals, while Jackson went 5 of 10 on his way to 10 points and four steals. Hearne-Robinson continues to improve, besting his previous point total in each of the last three games he's played.

Columbia's loss dropped their record down to 6-10. As for Wharton, their defeat ended a four-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 13-5.

Columbia and Wharton were neck-and-neck when the teams last played back in December of 2023, but Columbia came up empty-handed after a 51-50 loss. Can Columbia avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.