Basketball Game Preview: Pope County Pirates vs. Murphysboro Red Devils

The Pope County Pirates and the Murphysboro Red Devils will face off at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday without much rest having both just played. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

Pope County is headed into Tuesday's game hungry for a win as their strong season has now been derailed by two straight losses. They were outmatched by Anna-Jonesboro and fell 69-35. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Pirates have suffered since December 19, 2023.

Lawson Forthman

Rebounds

02/10/25 vs Anna-Jonesboro	13
02/06/25 @ Gallatin County	13
02/05/25 vs Cobden	13
02/03/25 @ Galatia/Thompsonville	13
01/30/25 @ Elverado/Zeigler-Royalton	12
+ 19 more games

Despite their loss, Pope County saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Lawson Forthman, who posted eight points in addition to 13 boards and four blocks, was perhaps the best of all. Forthman is crushing it when it comes to rebounds: she's pulled down at least ten every time she's taken the court this season. Bella Fasolo was another key player, putting up 14 points.

Meanwhile, Murphysboro was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They were five points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 49-44 heartbreaker at the hands of Wayne City/Cisne. While the Red Devils didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating Wayne City/Cisne 16-11 in the first quarter.

Murphysboro's loss dropped their record down to 8-21. As for Pope County, their defeat dropped their record down to 16-8.

Everything came up roses for Pope County against Murphysboro in their previous matchup back in February of 2024, as the squad secured a 69-36 victory. Will Pope County repeat their success, or does Murphysboro have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.