After nine games on the road, Western is heading back home. They will take on the Green Valley Gators at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The matchup should be an exciting one, as these teams are ranked near one another in Nevada (Western is ranked 82nd, while Green Valley is ranked 80th).
Even though Western has not done well against Rancho recently (they were 0-4 in their previous four matchups), they didn't let the past get in their way on Thursday. Western walked away with a 49-42 victory over Rancho.
Western found their leader in underclassman Laila Lwaba, who dropped a double-double on 24 points and 11 rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Lwaba has scored all season. Another player making a difference was Qaaima Taylor, who scored 11 points along with eight rebounds.
Meanwhile, Green Valley's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Thursday after their fourth straight loss. They fell to Sierra Vista 41-35. Green Valley has not had much luck with Sierra Vista recently, as the team's come up short the last two times they've met.
Green Valley's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Gianessa Vazquez, who scored 15 points, and Jazmine Ramirez who scored 11 points along with three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Amelia Rawhouser, who scored four points.
Western's victory bumped their record up to 5-10. As for Green Valley, they bumped their record down to 5-17 with that loss, which was their third straight at home.
Tuesday's contest is shaping up to be a scrappy game: Western have been smashing the glass this season, having only averaged 31.7 rebounds per game. It's a different story for Green Valley, though, as they've been averaging only 29.4 rebounds per game. Given Western's sizeable advantage in that area, Green Valley will need to find a way to close that gap.
Western couldn't quite finish off Green Valley when the teams last played two weeks ago and fell 34-32. Will Western have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other basketball content.
