Basketball Game Preview: Mount Vernon Patriots vs. Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams Marauders

The Mount Vernon Patriots will take on the Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams Marauders in a holiday battle at at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams have had a bumpy ride up to this point with six consecutive losses for Mount Vernon and eight for Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams dating back to last season.

Mount Vernon is headed into the contest out to prove that what happened against Intermountain Christian on Monday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Mount Vernon was beaten by Intermountain Christian 54-18. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Patriots have suffered against the Lions since February 11, 2020.

Mount Vernon's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Mustafa Jalili, who posted six steals and five boards, and Thayne Van Allen, who earned no points. Jalili is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last three games he's played.

Meanwhile, Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams might have been a little too into the holiday spirit, gifting Freedom Prep Academy an easy 55-35 victory. The Marauders were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 37-16.

Despite the defeat, Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams saw an underclassman step up: sophomore William Sandoval dropped a double-double on ten points and ten rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Kai Jacobs, who had four points.

Mount Vernon's loss dropped their record down to 0-6. As for Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-7.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Mount Vernon has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 20.7 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams struggles in that department as they've been averaging 25.9 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.