Basketball Game Preview: Shiprock Chieftains vs. Miyamura Patriots

The Shiprock Chieftains will head out on the road to challenge the Miyamura Patriots at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

Shiprock came up short against Gallup on Thursday, falling 58-38. While losing is never fun, the Chieftains can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' New Mexico basketball rankings (they are ranked 52nd, while the Bengals are ranked fourth).

Meanwhile, Miyamura was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their 23rd straight loss. They were six points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 49-43 heartbreaker at the hands of Bloomfield.

Miyamura's defeat dropped their record down to 1-24. As for Shiprock, their loss dropped their record down to 11-14.

Everything came up roses for Shiprock against Miyamura in their previous matchup two weeks ago, as the squad secured a 59-14 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Shiprock since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.