Basketball Game Preview: Manti Templars vs. Emery Spartans

Manti is on a three-game streak of home losses, Emery a three-game streak of away losses, but someone's luck will change on Tuesday. The Manti Templars will host the Emery Spartans at 7:00 p.m. Manti is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 51.9 points per game this season.

Manti is headed into the game having just suffered their closest loss since January 12th on Thursday. They fell just short of Canyon View by a score of 55-52. While losing is never fun, the Templars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Utah basketball rankings (they are ranked 67th, while the Falcons are ranked 11th).

Manti might have lost, but man, June Olsen was a machine: she almost dropped a double-double on 23 points and nine boards. Olsen has been hot, having posted eight or more rebounds the last five times she's played. Cadee Alder was another key player, putting up 15 points and three steals.

Meanwhile, Emery came up short against Richfield on Thursday and fell 40-33.

Manti will have to contain Katelyn Nielson as she made an impact in Emery's last game. She posted eight points along with seven boards and five steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Megan Stilson, who put up nine points.

Manti's defeat dropped their record down to 3-5. As for Emery, their loss dropped their record down to 4-7.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Manti has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 29.6 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Emery struggles in that department as they've been averaging 24.8 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Manti ended up a good deal behind Emery in their previous matchup back in February, losing 72-54. Thankfully for Manti, Aliya Lester (who went 9 of 15 on her way to 25 points) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.