Basketball Game Preview: Central A & M Raiders vs. Arcola Purple Riders

The Central A & M Raiders and the Arcola Purple Riders will face off at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday without much rest having both just played.

Central A & M is headed into the game having just suffered their biggest loss since December 13, 2024 on Friday. They came up short against Warrensburg-Latham, falling 72-46. While losing is never fun, the Raiders can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 501st, while the Cardinals are ranked 151st).

Meanwhile, Arcola didn't have too much trouble with Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond on Friday as they won 52-37.

Central A & M dropped their record down to 7-9 with the defeat, which was their eighth straight on the road dating back to last season. As for Arcola, their win bumped their record up to 13-4.

Central A & M ended up a good deal behind Arcola in their previous matchup back in January of 2024, losing 56-37. Will Central A & M have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other basketball content.