Basketball Game Preview: First Baptist Christian Academy Crusaders vs. Matanzas Pirates

The First Baptist Christian Academy Crusaders will square off against the Matanzas Pirates at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. First Baptist Christian Academy has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.

First Baptist Christian Academy is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They took their contest on Friday with ease, bagging a 63-12 victory over Orangewood Christian. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest win of the season.

Jay Rose

Points

12/05/25 vs Orangewood Christian	21
11/20/25 vs Forest Lake Academy	33
11/18/25 vs Halifax Academy	33
11/17/25 @ Father Lopez	31
01/31/25 vs Matanzas	19

First Baptist Christian Academy can attribute much of their success to Jay Rose, who went 9-for-16 on her way to 21 points in addition to seven boards and three steals, and Eliza Ouwsey, who dropped a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Rose's big performance that evening made it five games in a row in which she has scored at least 19 points. Tristyn Aitken was another key player, putting up eight points and four steals.

First Baptist Christian Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 24 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in ten consecutive games dating back to last season.

Meanwhile, Matanzas was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Monday as they fell 35-29 to St. Augustine. The loss continues a trend for the Pirates in their meetings with the Yellow Jackets: they've now lost nine in a row.

First Baptist Christian Academy pushed their record up to 4-0 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 60.7 points over those games. As for Matanzas, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-3.

First Baptist Christian Academy couldn't quite finish off Matanzas in their previous meeting back in January and fell 34-32. Can the Crusaders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.