Basketball Game Preview: Central City Value Jaguars vs. Animo Bunche Stallions

Central City Value is 9-1 against Animo Bunche since January of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Tuesday. The Central City Value Jaguars will welcome the Animo Bunche Stallions at 2:00 p.m. The timing is sure in Central City Value's favor as the team sits on four straight wins at home while Animo Bunche has been banged up by three consecutive losses on the road.

Central City Value fought the good fight in their overtime matchup against Aspire Ollin on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Jaguars by a score of 32-29. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss Central City Value has suffered since December 9, 2024.

Natasha Garcia

Steals

01/27/25 @ Animo Venice	11
01/29/25 @ Animo Bunche	10
02/05/25 @ Aspire Ollin	9
01/16/25 vs Aspire Ollin	9
02/03/25 vs USC-MAE	8
+ 11 more games

Despite their defeat, Central City Value saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Natasha Garcia, who posted six points along with nine steals and five boards, was perhaps the best of all. Garcia is becoming a predictor of Central City Value's success: when she posts at least three steals the team is 10-4 (and 1-2 when she doesn't). Kimberly Jacinto was another key player, dropping a double-double on ten points and 13 rebounds.

Even though they lost, Central City Value smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 27 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 25 consecutive contests dating back to last season.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Animo Bunche). They took down Downtown Magnets 30-15 on Thursday. The Stallions haven't had any issues with the Suns recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.

Central City Value's loss dropped their record down to 11-6. As for Animo Bunche, their win bumped their record up to 5-9.

Everything came up roses for Central City Value against Animo Bunche when the teams last played last Wednesday, as the squad secured a 32-3 victory. Does Central City Value have another victory up their sleeve, or will Animo Bunche turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.