Basketball Game Preview: Bishop Machebeuf Buffaloes vs. Conifer Lobos

The Bishop Machebeuf Buffaloes will take on the Conifer Lobos at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Bishop Machebeuf is coming into the match on a four-game losing streak.

Bishop Machebeuf is headed into the contest out to prove that what happened against Union Colony Prep on Thursday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Bishop Machebeuf was beaten by Union Colony Prep 53-24. The Buffaloes were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 29-5.

Justina Cichos

Rebounds

02/13/25 @ Union Colony Prep	9
02/11/25 @ Belleview Christian	15
02/06/25 vs Heritage Christian	9
02/01/25 @ St. Mary's Academy	10

Despite the loss, Bishop Machebeuf had strong showings from Justina Cichos, who posted seven points in addition to nine boards and four steals, and Aubrey Cichos, who earned eight points and seven rebounds. Justina is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down nine or more in each of the last four games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Penelope Mikita, who had two points and six steals.

Even though they lost, Bishop Machebeuf smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in seven consecutive games.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Conifer, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They were the clear victor by a 59-35 margin over Pomona on Thursday. The Lobos have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won seven matchups by 20 points or more this season.

Conifer's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-8. The wins came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 52.3 points over those games. As for Bishop Machebeuf, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-12.