Basketball Recap: J Anthony Dennard's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Wood over Rodriguez

Wood was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They came up short against the Rodriguez Mustangs, falling 72-49. While losing is never fun, the Wildcats can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 716th, while the Mustangs are ranked 237th).

Wood's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was J Anthony Dennard, who posted 13 points along with seven boards and three steals. Nate Holland was another key player, putting up 13 points and six rebounds.

Rodriguez's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Jamar Missouri led the charge by dropping a double-double with 18 points and 13 boards. Missouri is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in each of the last seven games he's played. Another player making a difference was Jermaine Missouri, who went 7-for-12 to rack up 17 points and five boards.

Wood's defeat dropped their record down to 12-14. As for Rodriguez, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 12 of their last 14 games, which provided a nice bump to their 20-5 record this season.

Wood didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next matchup, a 62-57 win against Pioneer on the 12th. As for Rodriguez, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next contest, a 74-73 loss against Sacramento on the 12th.