The Hammond (Columbia, SC) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Ben Lippen (Columbia, SC) today at 2:30 p.m.
Game Details:
- Teams: Ben Lippen @ Hammond
- Date & Time: Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Location: Hammond School
Ben Lippen vs. Hammond: A Rivalry Renewed
The Ben Lippen and Hammond basketball teams, both hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, have long been fierce competitors. As their seasons unfold, the contrast in their performances presents an intriguing storyline for basketball fans. This year, with the two teams facing off once again, the dynamics of their records and head-to-head matchups continue to captivate.
Season Overview
- Ben Lippen (24-25)
- Record: 17-7 (Overall), 3-5 (Region)
- Home: 10-3 | Away: 3-3 | Neutral: 4-1
- Points For (PF): 1,615 | Points Against (PA): 1,421
- Win %: .708 | Region Win %: .375
- Hammond (24-25)
- Record: 15-4 (Overall), 6-1 (Region)
- Home: 5-1 | Away: 9-1 | Neutral: 1-2
- Points For (PF): 1,152 | Points Against (PA): 874
- Win %: .789 | Region Win %: .857
Team Scoring Averages Ben Lippen’s offense has been prolific this season, averaging 67.3 points per game. They start strong, with 16.2 points in the first quarter, building momentum throughout the game. Hammond, on the other hand, has a more consistent but lower offensive output, averaging 60.6 points per game. Their scoring average dips in the second quarter (13.8) but they bounce back in the third quarter, scoring 16.3 points.
Recent Matchup: Hammond Triumphs In their most recent meeting on January 28, Hammond emerged victorious with a 67-45 win over Ben Lippen. Hammond’s strong second half performance, particularly in the fourth quarter, was key to their win as they outscored Ben Lippen 23-14 in the final period. Hammond’s victory emphasized their solid defensive strategy, limiting Ben Lippen’s scoring throughout the game.
Head-to-Head Record
- Hammond currently leads the season series 1-0, with a dominant performance on January 28. With the next game scheduled for February 4, Ben Lippen will look to exact revenge on the road.
- Ben Lippen (24-25) has had a strong record overall (17-7), but has struggled in region play, which has affected their standing in the region rankings.
Common Opponents: A Comparative Look
Both teams have faced common opponents throughout the season, and while the results reveal some trends, they also highlight the distinct nature of their playstyles.
- American Leadership Academy: Both teams won their matchups, with Hammond winning 63-40 on January 7 and Ben Lippen securing a 78-59 victory on November 27.
- Lexington: Ben Lippen won 73-58 on December 13, while Hammond triumphed 69-54 on December 28.
- Cardinal Newman: The teams had contrasting outcomes here. Ben Lippen won 62-46 on January 7, but Hammond took a 55-36 win over Cardinal Newman on January 17.
- Augusta Christian: A notable contrast in results as Ben Lippen lost 83-65 on January 9 and 70-65 on February 4, while Hammond lost 73-70 on January 31.
- Northside Christian Academy: Both teams had success here, with Hammond winning 76-64 on January 24 and Ben Lippen triumphing 73-63 on January 14.
A Look Ahead: The Road to Playoffs
As the regular season begins to wind down, both teams are positioning themselves for the upcoming playoffs. Ben Lippen, with their strong non-league record, will hope to translate that momentum into success in the region, while Hammond, having already achieved a 6-1 record in region play, will look to maintain their dominance and secure a favorable playoff seeding.
Conclusion: A Riveting Rivalry
The rivalry between Ben Lippen and Hammond remains one of the most intriguing in South Carolina basketball. With contrasting records, playing styles, and momentum shifts, the rest of the season promises to deliver even more intense matchups. For fans of both teams, every game feels like an opportunity for redemption, and as these two schools continue to compete, the future of this rivalry looks brighter than ever.
