University is 9-1 against Valley since January of 2017, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Thursday. The University Bulldogs will head out on the road to challenge the Valley Vikings at 7:00 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the pair posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.
University's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Tuesday after their third straight defeat. The match between them and Berthoud wasn't particularly close, with University falling 74-58.
University's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Coehn Nitzel, who scored 27 points along with five rebounds and two steals, and John Elbe who scored 15 points along with eight rebounds and two blocks. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Nitzel has scored all season. Gage Schminke was another key contributor, scoring nine points along with seven rebounds and three steals.
Meanwhile, Valley scored the most points they've had all season to find success on Tuesday. They strolled past Eaton with points to spare, taking the game 79-65. The win was all the more spectacular given Valley's disadvantage in MaxPreps' Colorado basketball rankings (they are ranked 271st, while Eaton is ranked 108th).
Valley's success was spearheaded by the efforts of Owen Peterson, who scored 21 points along with six assists and six rebounds, and Aidan Brownell, who dropped a double-double on 27 points and ten steals. Brownell also posted eight assists for the first time this season. Another player making a difference was Caleb Dudley, who scored 17 points along with five rebounds.
University has not been sharp recently as the team's lost four of their last five matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-14 record this season. As for Valley, the victory makes it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 5-14.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: University have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 29.1 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging 31.3 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Everything came up roses for University against Valley in their previous matchup back in January as the team secured a 82-43 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for University since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
