The Grafton (ND) varsity basketball team is set to host a non-conference game against Rugby (ND) at home today at 2:00 PM.

Matchup Details:
🏀 Teams: Rugby vs. Grafton
📅 Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Grafton, ND

• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Rugby vs Grafton: A 2024-25 Varsity Basketball Showdown

As the Rugby (ND) varsity basketball team prepares for an away non-conference game at Grafton (ND) today at 2 p.m., fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the two teams will match up on the court. With only hours to go before tip-off, let’s dive into the teams’ current records, head-to-head performance, and other key stats to give you a preview of what’s expected.

Team Records and Performance Breakdown

Rugby (ND) has a mixed season thus far, posting a 5-8 overall record, with a perfect 3-0 record in district play. The team has been struggling in non-district games, holding a 2-8 record outside of league play. Their scoring is led by a team average of 53.0 points per game. However, their defense has been challenged, allowing 825 points across the season. A closer look at their game results shows several tough losses, such as their recent 82-45 defeat to Shiloh Christian.

Grafton (ND) enters this game with a 7-6 overall record, showing solid consistency in non-district games, where they hold a 6-3 record. In district play, however, they’ve struggled with a 1-3 mark. Their average scoring output has been higher, posting 61.3 points per game, but they’ve also allowed 806 points in total. Grafton has had some notable victories, including a dominant 66-34 win over Bottineau in early January.

Head-to-Head Matchup

Both teams will be looking for a strong performance in this non-conference meeting, as their season-long records don’t reveal a clear advantage. Rugby has had a rough stretch against common opponents, posting a 0-4 record, while Grafton has done slightly better, holding a 1-3 record against the same teams. This suggests that Grafton may have an edge in facing familiar competition, but both teams have struggled in games against top opponents, including losses to Devils Lake and Four Winds/Minnewaukan.

In their most recent contests against common opponents:

• Rugby fell to Four Winds/Minnewaukan (79-59) and Devils Lake (86-29), along with losses to Carrington (57-47) and Shiloh Christian (82-45).
• Grafton also faced Four Winds/Minnewaukan (76-52) and Devils Lake (70-47), but managed a 66-34 victory over Bottineau.

These results hint that Grafton may have a slight advantage based on their ability to perform better in non-district competition. However, Rugby’s perfect district record suggests they could be a formidable opponent in a different context.

Scoring Averages

Both teams are capable of scoring, but Rugby has had varied offensive production across the quarters, averaging 22.0 in the first, 15.0 in the second, and 18.0 in the fourth. Their scoring appears to fluctuate as the game progresses, with a dip in the third quarter.

On the other hand, Grafton has been more consistent, averaging 61.3 points per game, though there are no available quarter-by-quarter stats for them at the moment. Their scoring output is likely spread evenly throughout the game, providing them with a more consistent offensive presence.

What to Expect

This non-conference matchup will be a test of Rugby’s ability to rise to the occasion after a tough non-league stretch and Grafton’s effort to capitalize on their stronger scoring potential. If Rugby can stabilize their defense and improve their shooting consistency, they may have a shot at pulling an upset. Grafton, however, has a slight edge in scoring efficiency and recent form, making them the favorites going into today’s game.

As both teams face off at Grafton today at 2 p.m., expect an exciting and competitive matchup. While both teams have their ups and downs this season, this game could provide a glimpse into what they’re capable of in the stretch run of the season.