The Arkoma (OK) varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against Gans (OK) on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 6:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: Oklahoma High School Basketball
Who: Arkoma (OK) vs Gans (OK)
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 6:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

A Preview of Gans and Arkoma’s Upcoming Basketball Matchup

As the Gans and Arkoma varsity basketball teams prepare for their upcoming non-conference game on December 20, 2024, all eyes are on two teams currently struggling to find their footing in the season. The game, which will take place in Arkoma at 6:00 PM, will mark a crucial moment for both teams to turn things around as they enter the heart of their schedules.

Gans (24-25 Season Overview)

The Gans varsity basketball team has faced a tough start to the 2024-2025 season, with an overall record of 0-3. Their struggles have been evident on both ends of the court, as they’ve only managed to put up an average of 18.3 points per game (PPG) across all their contests so far. Their defense, however, has been even more porous, allowing an average of 71.7 points per game. This has led to large deficits in each of their games, including a significant loss to Okay (82-15) on December 2.

In terms of location, Gans’ struggles have been more pronounced on the road, with an 0-2 away record. They will be hoping that a change in venue to Arkoma can spark a much-needed improvement. Their home performances, however, haven’t been much better, with an 0-1 record so far this season. With several more home games coming up, Gans will be looking for a way to stabilize their play and secure their first win of the season.

Arkoma (24-25 Season Overview)

Arkoma, also struggling this season, holds a record of 0-4 overall. They too have been unable to break through with a win, despite a relatively higher average in scoring with 33.5 PPG. However, their defense has been similarly problematic, as they’ve allowed an average of 55.75 PPG, which has contributed to their winless start. Their most recent loss was a hard-fought 74-33 defeat at the hands of Cave Springs on December 7.

Like Gans, Arkoma has found little success at home (0-2) and on the road (0-2). However, they will be hoping that their home court advantage in the December 20 game can offer them the push they need to finally put a notch in the win column.

Common Opponents and Comparative Records

Both Gans and Arkoma have faced some of the same opponents during the early part of the season, and both teams have struggled to secure wins. Gans is 0-2 against common opponents like Okay and Keota, while Arkoma is 0-3 against the same set of teams, including losses to Cave Springs and Webbers Falls. These shared results highlight the difficulties both teams have faced in matching up against more competitive programs.

Notably, Gans and Arkoma will also face off against several other common opponents later in the season, including McCurtain, Gore, and Porum, giving both teams opportunities to turn things around. Their ability to perform against these teams could offer some insight into how they match up head-to-head in their December 20 meeting.

The Matchup: What to Expect

When Gans and Arkoma meet on December 20, both teams will be aiming to get off the proverbial “schneid” and grab their first win of the season. The game will feature two teams with similar struggles—both lacking strong defensive units and inconsistent offensive performances. The key will likely come down to whichever team can find a rhythm and execute effectively in key moments.

For Gans, improving their scoring output will be critical. With only 18.3 PPG on average, they need to find a way to generate offense—whether it’s through improving shooting efficiency, getting to the free-throw line more often, or finding ways to push the tempo in transition.

Arkoma, on the other hand, has a higher average in points scored per game but needs to shore up its defense to avoid another high-scoring defeat. Their focus should be on limiting turnovers, improving defensive rotations, and tightening up on the fast break.

The Road Ahead

While this game may not have playoff implications, it is a crucial opportunity for both Gans and Arkoma to gain confidence and build momentum as the season progresses. Both teams have a challenging set of games ahead, with tough matchups against teams like Cave Springs, Keota, and Gore, making each win vital as they attempt to improve their overall records.

As the two teams prepare for the showdown, the December 20 game will offer a chance for one of them to break through and claim their first victory of the 2024-2025 season. Fans and players alike will be hoping that this contest marks the beginning of a turnaround for either team as they look to finish the year on a stronger note.