Basketball Game Preview: Holyoke Dragons vs. Akron Rams

The Holyoke Dragons will head out on the road to challenge the Akron Rams at 8:45 a.m. on Friday. Holyoke has now lost 13 straight, leaving the team hunting for their first win since January 4.

Last Tuesday, Holyoke was beaten by Merino 58-14. While losing is never fun, the Dragons can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Colorado basketball rankings (they are ranked 222nd in Colorado, while the Rams are ranked 17th in Colorado).

Meanwhile, Akron was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Tuesday as they fell 47-43 to Byers.

Holyoke will need to focus on slowing down Molly O'Neil, one of several Akron players who made an impact when they last played. She dropped a double-double with 15 points and 14 boards. O'Neil is becoming a predictor of Akron's success: when she posts at least ten rebounds the team is 9-4 (and 2-6 when she doesn't). Kashlee Randel was another key player, putting up 17 points and six boards.

Even though they lost, Akron smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Byers only nine offensive boards.

Holyoke's record is now 3-18. As for Akron, their record now sits at 11-10.

Holyoke suffered a grim 55-33 defeat to Akron in their previous matchup back in January. Can Holyoke avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.