Basketball Game Preview: Saratoga Panthers vs. North Park Wildcats

A feisty cat fight will be fought as the Panthers face off against the Wildcats at 4:30 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 match.

Saratoga is likely headed into the game with a focus on the second half, which is when things went downhill against Little Snake River on Saturday. Saratoga took a 57-50 hit to the loss column at the hands of Little Snake River. The loss continues a trend for the Panthers in their matchups with the Rattlers: they've now lost four in a row.

Meanwhile, North Park was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their 14th straight defeat. They fell 53-45 to Vail Christian.

Despite the loss, North Park saw an underclassman step up: freshman Paige Solano posted eight points along with ten rebounds and five steals. Solano also set a new season-high mark in shooting accuracy with 80%. Brooklynn Weber was another key player, putting up 14 points and five boards.

Even though they lost, North Park was working as a unit and finished the game with 11 assists. That's the most assists they've posted since back in February of 2024.

Saratoga's defeat dropped their record down to 9-9. As for North Park, their loss dropped their record down to 2-15.

Everything came up roses for Saratoga against North Park when the teams last played back in February of 2024, as the squad secured a 70-36 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Saratoga since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.