The Alliance Bulldogs's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Saturday after their eighth straight defeat. They were beaten by Rapid City Christian 79-49. While losing is never fun, Alliance can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps's basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 189th in Nebraska, while Rapid City Christian is ranked seventh in South Dakota).
Alliance's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Espen Lanik, who scored 12 points along with three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Filippo Bandera, who scored 11 points.
Alliance has traveled a rocky road recently having lost nine of their last ten matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-15 record this season. As for Rapid City Christian, the win (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 13-2.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Alliance will take on Dundy County-Stratton at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Rapid City Christian, they will head out on the road to face off against Belle Fourche at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Rapid City Christian knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with flashy point totals in its past 15 matches -- so hopefully Belle Fourche likes a good challenge.
