Basketball Game Preview: Ukiah Wildcats vs. Rancho Cotate Cougars

Ukiah has won three straight games at home, while Rancho Cotate has won three straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Friday. A feisty cat fight is on tap when the Ukiah Wildcats duke it out with the Rancho Cotate Cougars at 7:30 p.m. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Ukiah is headed into the game having just posted their closest victory since December 6, 2023 on Wednesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against St. Vincent de Paul, sneaking past 53-50.

Zach Martinez was a one-man wrecking crew for Ukiah as he dropped a double-double on 25 points and 12 boards. What's more, Martinez also racked up three steals, the most he's had since back in November of 2024. Another player making a difference was Jacob Lunceford, who posted 11 points.

Ukiah smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 13 consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, Rancho Cotate took their match on Wednesday with ease, bagging a 79-43 win over Healdsburg. The Cougars have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won nine games by 21 points or more this season.

Ukiah's victory bumped their record up to 4-14. As for Rancho Cotate, their win bumped their record up to 14-2.

Ukiah didn't have too much breathing room in their contest against Rancho Cotate in their previous matchup back in January of 2024, but they still walked away with a 56-52 victory. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Rancho Cotate's Adam Pengel, who went 7 for 16 en route to 24 points and six rebounds. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Ukiah still be able to contain Pengel? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.