Basketball Recap: Daniel Mbadinga Key Part of a Team Effort in Lobos Win

Rocky Mountain posted their closest win since February 9, 2024 on Friday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Loveland Red Wolves, sneaking past 68-65. The victory was all the more spectacular given the Lobos' disadvantage in MaxPreps' Colorado basketball rankings (they are ranked 156th, while the Red Wolves are ranked 33rd).

Rocky Mountain's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Daniel Mbadinga, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and 12 boards. The dominant performance also gave Mbadinga a new career-high in blocks (five). Peyton Matkin was another key player, putting up 16 points.

Rocky Mountain smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in three consecutive matchups.

Loveland's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jax Poole, who went 5 for 7 on his way to 16 points. Another player making a difference was Zayne Desouza, who dropped a double-double on 20 points and ten rebounds.

Rocky Mountain's record now sits at 5-8. As for Loveland, with the loss, they broke their three-game winning streak and moved their record to 10-3.

Rocky Mountain has already played their next game, a 54-46 defeat against Dakota Ridge on the 18th. As for Loveland, they will square off against Greeley West at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Loveland is facing Greeley West at the right time seeing as Greeley West is stuck on a seven-game losing streak.