Basketball Game Preview: Alexandria Trojans vs. Jena Giants

The Alexandria Trojans will take on the Jena Giants at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

Alexandria is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Louisiana's top teams: Ouachita Parish, who was ranked 25th at the time (Alexandria was ranked 12th). Alexandria took a 72-65 hit to the loss column at the hands of Ouachita Parish on Friday.

Jarvell Bordelon

Points

02/14/25 @ Ouachita Parish	27
02/07/25 vs Ruston	4
01/31/25 vs Pineville	15
01/25/25 vs Dunham	18
01/24/25 vs West Monroe	14
+ 22 more games

Despite their defeat, Alexandria saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Jarvell Bordelon, who went 12-for-19 on his way to 27 points and seven rebounds, was perhaps the best of all. That's the most points Bordelon has posted since back in December of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Marcus Bolden, who put up 12 points and six boards.

Meanwhile, Jena came up short against Marksville on Friday, falling 62-42. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Giants have suffered against the Tigers since January 11, 2022.

Jena's defeat was their third straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 4-5. As for Alexandria, their loss was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 4-1 and their overall record down to 26-7.

Everything came up roses for Alexandria against Jena in their previous meeting back in December of 2023, as the squad secured a 78-29 victory. In that game, Alexandria amassed a halftime lead of 50-13, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Friday.