Basketball Game Preview: West Central Blue Devils vs. Tripoli Panthers

The West Central Blue Devils will venture away from home to square off against the Tripoli Panthers at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday. Both have had a bumpy ride up to this point with 12 consecutive losses for West Central and six for Tripoli.

Last Tuesday, West Central had to suffer through a 69-36 loss at the hands of North Fayette Valley. While losing is never fun, the Blue Devils can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Iowa basketball rankings (they are ranked 343rd, while North Fayette Valley are ranked 61st).

Meanwhile, Tripoli scored the most points they've had this season on Tuesday, but it wasn't enough. They were beaten by Riceville 91-59.

West Central's loss dropped their record down to 1-13. As for Tripoli, their defeat dropped their record down to an identical 1-13.

West Central came up short against Tripoli in their previous meeting back in February of 2024, falling 52-47. Can West Central avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.