Even though the Delta Panthers have not done well against the Steamboat Springs Sailors recently (they were 0-6 in their previous six matchups), they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. Delta walked away with a 58-51 victory over Steamboat Springs. For Delta, this counts as revenge for the 55-39 defeat Steamboat Springs walked away with the last time they faced one another back in February of 2023.
Delta's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Erik Baier, who scored nine points along with 13 rebounds. Baier has been hot recently, having posted eight or more rebounds the last five times he's played. Another player making a difference was Joe Black, who scored 11 points along with two steals.
Steamboat Springs' loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jeffrey Sturges, who scored 21 points along with five rebounds. That was a full 41.2% of Steamboat Springs' points, marking the third time in a row he's earned more than a third of the team's points. Michael Dinapoli was another key contributor, scoring ten points along with six rebounds and five steals.
Even though they lost, Steamboat Springs were working as a unit and finished the game with 14 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Delta only racked up seven assists.
Delta's win ended a seven-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 3-6. As for Steamboat Springs, their defeat was their third straight on the road, which bumped their record down to 4-6.
Delta won't have much time to rest: their next game is against Coal Ridge at 4:30 p.m. on January 13th. Coal Ridge knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with flashy point totals in its past three games -- so hopefully Delta likes a good challenge. Steamboat Springs won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against Rifle at 2:30 p.m. on January 13th. Rifle is coming into the matchup on a five-game losing streak.
