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Basketball preview capsules

GIRLS

La Cueva (10-8, 3-1) at Clovis (11-9, 2-2), Rock Staubus Gymnasium, 7 p.m.

Last time out: When Clovis visited Sandia on Saturday night, the Lady Matadors' freshman duo of Autumn Gonzales and Marisa Griego combined to score 35 points, helping their team to a 49-42 home victory over the Lady Wildcats.

La Cueva hosted Eldorado on Saturday and was dealt its first District 2-6A loss of the season, 58-49.

Last meeting: Feb. 18, 2017. The Lady Wildcats hosted La Cueva and started off well, leading 11-7 after one quarter, 26-21 at halftime. But, they were outscored 36-18 in the second half, which sent them to a 57-44 defeat, their third loss in a row. Teya Morris was the only Clovis player to reach double-digit scoring, as she tossed in 21 points to tie La Cueva's Delaney Markham for the game-high.

The lowdown: Clovis' up-and-down season continued on Saturday. Tonight, they hope it heads up again, because a glance at the district standings shows that the Lady 'Cats would climb into a tie with La Cueva at 3-2 with a home victory tonight.

It doesn't get easier afterward, as Clovis visits Eldorado on Saturday.

BOYS

Clovis (8-11, 0-4) at La Cueva (12-6, 4-1) at La Cueva High School, Albuquerque, 7 p.m.

Last time out: Clovis trailed after every quarter on Saturday night against visiting Sandia at The Rock, but the Wildcats did hold a 38-36 advantage late in the game before the Matadors closed on a 3-0 run to win the game. Dewayne Dawson's would-be game-winner from the baseline narrowly missed, as the Wildcats were denied their first District 2-6A victory of the season.

The Bears were looking to stay unbeaten in district play, but lost to Eldorado 78-75 at home on Friday night.

Last meeting: Feb. 18, 2017. The Wildcats posted their second straight win, rallying to beat the Bears 63-59 in Albuquerque. The were down 14-11 after the first quarter, 28-27 at halftime and 42-41 after three, before outscoring La Cueva 22-17 in the fourth quarter.

The lowdown: We've been here before. The Wildcats need to get a district win.

They've come so close in their last three games against Manzano (55-52), Santa Fe (60-58) and the one-point loss to Sandia. This is a tough week for the 'Cats, facing two of the district's best teams — La Cueva and Eldorado — on the road in Albuquerque. If they could steal one — maybe two — up there, it would be a great boost for their season moving forward.

Portales (11-8, 2-1) at Hope Christian (13-7, 3-0), Hope Christian Academy, 6 p.m.

Last time out: The Rams were searching for their first home district win of the season, and got it, routing New Mexico Military Academy 59-36 on Friday night at the Ram Athletic Center.

Hope Christian hosted Ruidoso on Saturday night and shellacked a good Warriors team 82-61.

Last meeting: March 11, 2017. Portales had reached the state championship game in Albuquerque, just one win away from taking home the title.

It was not to be, though, as the Rams lost to Hope Christian 58-46 in the state final.

The lowdown: Most of the Rams who took part in that state title game 10 1/2 months ago have graduated, but it's still a big District 4-4A game for both teams.

The Huskies are undefeated in district play, the Rams just once-beaten. This game could determine who is the district's more dominant team for the rest of the winter. The Huskies come in on a hotter streak, having won six in a row, every one by double digits, four by at least 20 points, three by at least 30.

— Compiled by Staff Writer Peter Stein