The Pioneer Patriots's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Monday after their fourth straight defeat. They fell 76-64 to Rio Linda. Pioneer was given a dose of their own medicine in this game as Rio Linda apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in January.
Several Patriots players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Chancey Minshew, who scored 25 points along with five rebounds. Minshew is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 15 or more in the last nine games he's played. Alex Macias was another key contributor, scoring 16 points along with five rebounds.
Rio Linda got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Kevin Smith out in front who scored 26 points along with seven rebounds and seven steals. Smith hasn't dropped below two steals for three straight games. Another player making a difference was Darius Williams, who scored 19 points along with six assists and five rebounds.
Pioneer's defeat dropped their record down to 10-13. As for Rio Linda, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six games, which provided a massive bump to their 9-15 record this season.
Pioneer will be playing at home against Mesa Verde at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Pioneer is facing Mesa Verde at the right time seeing as Mesa Verde is stuck on a eight-game losing streak. As for Rio Linda, they will head out on the road to challenge Mira Loma at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Mira Loma will roll in looking for their fifth straight win, something Rio Linda surely won't give up without a fight.
