The Red Bluff Spartans lost against the Chico Panthers back in January, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. Red Bluff fell just short of Chico by a score of 51-49. While losing is never fun, Red Bluff can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 784th, while Chico is ranked 371st).
Despite the loss, Red Bluff saw an underclassman step up: Bryce Owens dropped a double-double on 13 points and 16 rebounds. Owens also grabbed two steals for the first time this season.
Adam Brott continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines for Chico, scoring 14 points along with five assists and three steals. Brott also posted two blocks for the first time this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Rakim Young-Thomas, who almost dropped a double-double on 13 points and nine rebounds.
Red Bluff has been struggling recently as they've lost seven of their last eight contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 7-16 record this season. As for Chico, their win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 15-10.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Red Bluff will take on Enterprise at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Hopefully Red Bluff focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 18 on Friday. As for Chico, they will head out on the road to challenge Foothill at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Hopefully Foothill focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up nine on Friday.
