The Mandan (ND) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against St. Mary’s Central (Bismarck, ND) today at 7:30 PM.

Matchup Information
SMCHS vs. Mandan Basketball Game
Friday, January 24, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Mandan High School

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

Mandan vs. St. Mary’s Central: A Preview of the Upcoming Basketball Matchup

As the high school basketball season heats up, the spotlight turns to tonight’s exciting matchup between St. Mary’s Central Saints and the Mandan Braves. Scheduled to tip off at 7:30 PM, this North Dakota varsity conference game will take place at Mandan High School, promising a showdown between two teams with contrasting performances this season.

Season Overview

St. Mary’s Central Saints

The Saints have had a challenging season, with a 3-10 overall record and a 2-8 record in district play. They’ve struggled on the road, managing only one win out of five away games. Their win percentage sits at .231, reflecting a season of uphill battles. St. Mary’s scoring average is 64.2 points per game, and while their offensive production has moments of brilliance, it’s been difficult to overcome their defensive struggles, as evidenced by the 1,002 points allowed.

Mandan Braves

On the other hand, Mandan has enjoyed a dominant season, boasting a 12-4 overall record and an impressive 8-3 mark in district games. With a strong home record of 4-1 and an away record of 5-1, Mandan has shown consistency regardless of location. The Braves’ high-powered offense averages 77.1 points per game, which, combined with their solid defense, has made them a force in the district. Their win percentage stands at .750, underlining their dominance.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

While this will be the first direct meeting between the teams this season, a look at their performances against common opponents provides insight into their relative strengths:

• Against Shanley: Both teams secured wins, but Mandan’s commanding 93-60 victory outshone St. Mary’s narrower 65-52 win.
• Against Minot: Mandan split their encounters, winning one and losing two, while St. Mary’s dropped all three games, including a heavy 94-47 loss.
• Against Legacy: Mandan claimed a decisive 72-52 win, while St. Mary’s suffered a 74-65 defeat.

Mandan has outperformed St. Mary’s against mutual opponents, recording a 9-3 record compared to St. Mary’s 3-8.

Key Matchup Factors

• Offense vs. Defense: Mandan’s prolific scoring will challenge St. Mary’s defense, which has allowed over 1,000 points this season. The Saints must find ways to contain Mandan’s high-scoring lineup.
• Momentum: Mandan’s strong season gives them confidence and home-court advantage, whereas St. Mary’s will need to play with urgency to turn their season around.
• Player Performance: St. Mary’s will rely on standout performances to stay competitive, while Mandan’s depth and consistency across games will be pivotal.

Upcoming Games

The teams are set to meet again on February 25, 2025, at St. Mary’s Central. This rematch could be another opportunity for the Saints to test their growth and resilience against a formidable Mandan team.

Game Prediction

Based on current form and statistics, Mandan enters the game as the clear favorite. However, basketball is a game of surprises, and St. Mary’s could spring an upset if they capitalize on key opportunities and tighten their defense.

Conclusion

Tonight’s game offers more than just points in the standings—it’s a chance for St. Mary’s to prove they can compete with the best, while Mandan aims to solidify their position as a district powerhouse. Fans can expect an exciting clash of styles and a showcase of determination from both teams.