Basketball Game Preview: Manteca Buffaloes vs. Patterson Tigers

The Manteca Buffaloes will head out to face off against the Patterson Tigers at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.

Manteca is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against East Union on Tuesday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Manteca was beaten by East Union 71-32. While losing is never fun, the Buffaloes can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 601st, while the Lancers are ranked 171st).

Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Jaesha Dunn, who posted seven points and nine rebounds. She has been hot recently, having also posted two or more steals the last three times she's played. Michailla Springs was another key player, putting up 13 points and three blocks.

Patterson has been a dominant force so far, but they're in the middle of a mini-slump at the moment. They fell 52-39 to East Union on Thursday.

Manteca has traveled a rocky road recently having lost six of their last seven contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-12 record this season. As for Patterson, their loss ended a four-game streak of away wins and brought them to 16-4.

Things could have been worse for Manteca, but things could have been a whole lot better as they took a 45-26 loss to Patterson when the teams last played back in February of 2018. Can Manteca avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.