Basketball Game Preview: Glendale Nitros vs. Pasadena Bulldogs

Glendale hasn't had much luck against Pasadena recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Glendale Nitros will look to defend their home court against the Pasadena Bulldogs at 6:45 p.m. Glendale has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.

Glendale got their first taste of in-conference action this week and they started things off strong. They were the clear victor by an 82-60 margin over Burbank on Tuesday. The Nitros have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won six matchups by 22 points or more this season.

It was another big night for Mason Manalo, who went 7 for 9 from beyond the arc on his way to 27 points and eight boards. That's the most points he has posted since back in November of 2024. Another player making a difference was Jacob Samontina, who went 5 of 11 en route to 11 points in addition to six rebounds and five assists.

Glendale smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in 20 consecutive games.

Meanwhile, even if it wasn't a dominant performance, Pasadena beat Arcadia 56-50 on Friday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Bulldogs.

Glendale's win ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 12-8. As for Pasadena, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four contests, which provided a nice bump to their 12-6 record this season.

Glendale suffered a grim 79-54 defeat to Pasadena in their previous matchup back in January of 2024. That matchup was all but decided by halftime, at which point Glendale was down 45-20.