Basketball Game Preview: Brevard HEAT Firehawks vs. Merritt Island Christian Cougars

Brevard HEAT hasn't had much luck against Merritt Island Christian recently, but that could start to change on Friday. After both having extra time off, both will shake off the cobwebs and take on one another at 7:30 p.m. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Two weeks ago, Brevard HEAT came up short against Halifax Academy and fell 63-56.

Brevard HEAT might have lost, but man, Riley Ellis was a machine: he went 8 for 17 on his way to 20 points in addition to five rebounds and four steals. Ellis is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last six games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Elias Ojala, who posted eight points along with seven boards and five blocks.

Meanwhile, Merritt Island Christian ended up a good deal behind Trinity Prep last Saturday and lost 58-39. The Cougars have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Brevard HEAT's defeat dropped their record down to 2-7. As for Merritt Island Christian, they now have a losing record at 4-5.

Brevard HEAT was dealt a bruising 64-31 loss at the hands of Merritt Island Christian when the teams last played back in November. A big factor in that loss was the dominant performance of Merritt Island Christian's Trey Nevad, who went 8 of 10 on his way to 18 points in addition to eight boards and four steals. Now that Brevard HEAT knows the damage he can cause, will they be able to stop him this time? There's only one way to find out.