Basketball Game Preview: Kingstree Blazers vs. Mullins Auctioneers

The Kingstree Blazers will head out to square off against the Mullins Auctioneers at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Kingstree's defense has only allowed 29.3 points per game this season, so Mullins' offense will have their work cut out for them.

Kingstree is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering Marion just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Wednesday. They took a 39-35 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Swamp Foxes.

The loss doesn't tell the whole story though, as several players had good games. One of the most active was Naydia Shaw, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and 13 rebounds. Shaw is crushing it when it comes to boards: she's pulled down at least eight every time she's taken the court this season. Demia Mosley was another key player, putting up 11 points along with eight rebounds and three steals.

Even though they lost, Kingstree smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in three consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, Mullins was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Tuesday as they fell 44-38 to East Clarendon.

Kingstree will have to keep a close watch on Moriah McLeod and Jazmyne Rowell, a pair of players who had a big impact on Mullins' prior game. McLeod went 5 for 12 on her way to 12 points, while Rowell posted four points.

Mullins dropped their record down to 7-5 with the defeat, which was their third straight on the road. As for Kingstree, their loss dropped their record down to 17-5.

Kingstree barely slipped by Mullins in their previous matchup back in January, winning 51-50. The rematch might be a little tougher for Kingstree since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.