Basketball Game Preview: Peyton Panthers vs. Simla Cubs

Peyton and Simla are an even 5-5 against one another since January of 2018, but not for long. The Peyton Panthers will take on the Simla Cubs at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.

Last Friday, Peyton strolled past Fountain Valley with points to spare, taking the game 59-45.

It was another big night for Michael Perry, who went 7 of 15 on his way to 18 points and eight assists. The team also got some help courtesy of Trent Gregg, who went 7 of 9 on his way to 14 points.

Meanwhile, Simla waltzed into their game on Saturday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They came out on top against the Outlaws by a score of 72-65.

Simla found their leader in sophomore Tatum Kocerha, who dropped a double-double on 30 points and 12 boards. With that strong performance, Kocerha is now averaging an impressive 8.4 rebounds per game. The team also got some help courtesy of Caston Cox, who posted 21 points.

Simla smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 34 consecutive matchups dating back to last season.

Peyton's victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 4-5. As for Simla, their record is now 6-1.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Peyton has crashing the boards this season, having averaged 28.4 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Simla struggles in that department as they've been averaging 33.4 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Peyton ended up a good deal behind Simla when the teams last played back in December of 2023, losing 67-53. Can Peyton avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.