Basketball Game Preview: Bella Vista Broncos vs. Vista del Lago Eagles

The Bella Vista Broncos will head out to face off against the Vista del Lago Eagles at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Bella Vista is coming into the matchup on a four-game losing streak.

Last Tuesday, Bella Vista lost to Woodcreek at home by a 59-44 margin. While losing is never fun, the Broncos can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 628th, while the Timberwolves are ranked 61st).

Bella Vista might have lost, but man, Mark Otrotsyuk was a machine: he went 6 of 11 en route to 19 points in addition to six boards and three steals. The dominant performance gave Otrotsyuk a new career-high in rebounds. Cael Bird was another key player, going 5 for 10 on his way to 10 points and eight boards.

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

Meanwhile, Vista del Lago was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Tuesday as they fell 59-54 to Ponderosa. The Eagles have struggled against the Bruins recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive lost matchup.

Bella Vista's defeat dropped their record down to 7-13. As for Vista del Lago, their loss dropped their record down to 11-8.

Bella Vista came up short against Vista del Lago in their previous matchup back in November of 2023, falling 76-64. Can Bella Vista avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.