The Utica Academy of Science Atoms will be playing in front of their home fans against the Marcellus Mustangs at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Both teams come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Utica Academy of Science had to endure a nine-game losing streak dating back to last season, but that streak is no more. They simply couldn't be stopped last Saturday as they easily beat Edison Tech 88-58 at home. Utica Academy of Science's offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
It was another big night for Doneilious King j.r, who scored 47 points along with eight rebounds and three steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points he has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Akol Machteng, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and ten rebounds.
Meanwhile, Marcellus didn't have too much breathing room in their match against Syracuse Academy of Science on Friday, but they still walked away with a 54-48 victory. Given Marcellus' advantage in MaxPreps' New York basketball rankings (they are ranked 18th, while Syracuse Academy of Science is ranked 96th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Tucker Burnett and Will Burnett were among the main playmakers for Marcellus as the former scored 14 points along with seven rebounds and the latter scored 16 points along with eight rebounds and two steals. Jake Meyer was another key contributor, scoring six points.
Utica Academy of Science's victory bumped their record up to 1-8. As for Marcellus, they pushed their record up to 11-1 with that victory, which was their 11th straight at home dating back to last season.
Utica Academy of Science took their win against Marcellus when the teams last played back in January of 2018 by a conclusive 53-32. Does Utica Academy of Science have another victory up their sleeve, or will Marcellus turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
