Bellaire is 8-2 against Bridgeport since February of 2015, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Bellaire Big Reds will look to defend their home court against the Bridgeport Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m. Bellaire has now lost ten straight, and the team is hunting for their first win since January 2.
Bellaire lost a heartbreaker when they last took the court, but unfortunately for them the loss they were handed on on Tuesday was a bit more commanding. They were beaten by Shenandoah 67-40. The result shouldn't come as a shock considering that's the fewest points Bellaire has scored all season.
Mac Pettigrew put forth a good effort for the losing side as he scored 19 points along with seven rebounds and four steals. That was a full 47.5% of Bellaire's points, marking the seventh time in a row he's earned more than a third of the team's points.
Bellaire struggled to work together and finished the game with only two assists. That's the fewest assists they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Bridgeport struggled with assists on Tuesday (Caldwell had 18 more) and sadly the final score reflected it. Bridgeport was outmatched by Caldwell at home and fell 74-27. Bridgeport was in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 41-18.
Despite their loss, Bridgeport saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Coen Brinker, who scored seven points, was perhaps the best of all. Another player making a difference was Avery Jackson, who scored four points.
Bellaire has been struggling recently as they've lost 13 of their last 14 matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-15 record this season. As for Bridgeport, they dropped their record down to 11-9 with that defeat, which was their third straight at home.
Friday's contest is shaping up to be a masterclass in shooting: Bellaire have been dynamite from deep this season, having made 39.8% of their threes per game. However, it's not like Bridgeport struggles in that department as they've made 38.6% of their threes this season. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Everything came up roses for Bellaire against Bridgeport when the teams last played back in January of 2022 as the team secured a 94-54 victory. Does Bellaire have another victory up their sleeve, or will Bridgeport turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.