Basketball Game Preview: Rushville Lions vs. Knightstown Panthers

Rushville is on a six-game streak of home losses, Knightstown a seven-game streak of away losses dating back to last season, but someone's luck will change on Tuesday. A feisty cat fight is on tap when the Rushville Lions face off against the Knightstown Panthers at 7:30 p.m. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

Last Friday, Rushville came up short against Madison and fell 56-45.

Rushville's loss came about despite a quality game from Clayton Chase, who went 6 for 10 en route to 14 points and seven boards. The team also got some help courtesy of Owen Zachery, who posted seven points.

Meanwhile, Knightstown also suffered a loss in their last game, but this one to Winchester Community by a score of 61-54. While losing is never fun, the Panthers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Indiana basketball rankings (they are ranked 379th, while the Golden Falcons are ranked 176th).

Rushville will need focus on slowing down Brant Ellis, one of several Knightstown players who made an impact when they last played. He earned 15 points. Another player making a difference was Aaron Mefford, who put up eight points and five rebounds.

Knightstown's defeat dropped their record down to 2-11. As for Rushville, their loss dropped their record down to 2-12.

Rushville didn't have too much breathing room in their contest against Knightstown in their previous matchup back in January of 2024, but they still walked away with a 43-38 win. Will Rushville repeat their success, or does Knightstown have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.