Basketball Game Preview: Auburn Riverside Ravens vs. Decatur Golden Gators

The Auburn Riverside Ravens will take on the Decatur Golden Gators at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Auburn Riverside came up short against Kentridge on Saturday, falling 65-45. The loss continues a trend for the Ravens in their matchups with the Chargers: they've now lost three in a row.

Despite the defeat, Auburn Riverside saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Leroy Kinnay posted 17 points and six rebounds. Kinnay's afternoon made it four games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Emediong Ukpe, who had 13 points.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Decatur). They put the hurt on Kentlake with a sharp 77-55 win on Friday. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Golden Gators have posted since February 2, 2024.

Decatur had a senior duo take command as Jorge Martinez went 7 of 11 on his way to 20 points along with seven assists and five boards and Dar Mcjimpson Jr went 6 of 9 from beyond the arc on his way to 25 points. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Mcjimpson Jr has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Sam Corbett, who put up four points in addition to 12 rebounds and three blocks.

Decatur smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in 12 consecutive games dating back to last season.

Decatur's win was their first in the district, bumping their district record up to 1-3 and their overall record up to 2-6. As for Auburn Riverside, their loss dropped their record down to 3-10.

Auburn Riverside came up short against Decatur in their previous matchup back in January of 2024, falling 70-60. Will Auburn Riverside have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more basketball content.