Basketball Game Preview: Martins Ferry Purple Riders vs. Monroe Central Seminoles

The Martins Ferry Purple Riders will head out on the road to challenge the Monroe Central Seminoles at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Martins Ferry has a tough task ahead: they'll enter the match with five straight defeats, while Monroe Central will come in with five straight victories.

Last Saturday, 2025 welcomed Martins Ferry with a 69-48 loss courtesy of St. Clairsville. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Purple Riders have suffered against the Red Devils since January 15, 2022.

Meanwhile, Monroe Central greeted the New Year with with a 63-47 win over Wheeling Central Catholic.

Monroe Central pushed their record up to 8-1 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 75.7 points per game. As for Martins Ferry, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-7.

Martins Ferry came up short against Monroe Central in their previous meeting back in December of 2024, falling 82-75. Can Martins Ferry avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.