The St. Pius X varsity basketball team from Albuquerque, NM will play a neutral non-conference game against Artesia, NM today at 7:30 PM.

Game Details:

• Teams: Artesia vs. St. Pius X
• Date & Time: Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM
• Type: Neutral non-conference game
• Live stream: Watch Here

Artesia vs. St. Pius X: A Basketball Rivalry with High Stakes

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, two of New Mexico’s top teams—Artesia and St. Pius X—are making their mark. Both teams have shown resilience and consistency, and their matchup promises to be one of the most anticipated games of the season. Let’s take a closer look at their current form, their performance against common opponents, and what to expect in their head-to-head contest.

Team Records and Performance Overview

Artesia (24-25)

• Record: 10-5 overall
• Home: 6-1
• Away: 1-3
• Neutral: 3-1
• Win Percentage: .667
• Points Scored (PF): 918
• Points Allowed (PA): 729

Artesia has had a solid season with a winning record of 10-5. The team has performed especially well at home, with a 6-1 record, but struggles have emerged on the road where they are 1-3. Despite the away difficulties, Artesia has shown their offensive power, averaging 61.2 points per game. Their scoring is balanced throughout the game, with the highest output in the third quarter (16.8 points per game).

St. Pius X (24-25)

• Record: 11-4 overall
• Home: 5-3
• Away: 0-0
• Neutral: 6-1
• Win Percentage: .733
• Points Scored (PF): 896
• Points Allowed (PA): 777

St. Pius X boasts an impressive 11-4 record, with a remarkable win percentage of .733. One of their standout features is their performance in neutral-site games, where they are 6-1. While their home record is a bit more mixed (5-3), they are yet to play an away game in this season. The team averages 59.7 points per game, showing a slightly lower offensive output compared to Artesia but maintaining strong defense.

Scoring Averages

Both teams have potent offenses, but their scoring patterns differ slightly:

• Artesia averages 61.2 points per game, with the most scoring occurring in the third quarter (16.8 points).
• St. Pius X, on the other hand, scores an average of 59.7 points per game. Their highest scoring period is the fourth quarter (16.7 points).

While both teams display a balanced offensive game, Artesia tends to score more consistently across all quarters, while St. Pius X relies on a stronger finish in the fourth quarter to close out games.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents, which provides a unique insight into their comparative performance:

• Artesia lost to Valencia and Valley (both games by 50-46), but they secured a solid victory over Belen (72-56).
• St. Pius X faced Valley and defeated them 55-53, while they will play Valencia in upcoming games. They also have a scheduled match with Belen soon.

The head-to-head results against these common teams show that while both Artesia and St. Pius X have experienced similar challenges, their ability to close out games varies. St. Pius X had a narrow win over Valley, while Artesia struggled in close contests. This could suggest that St. Pius X has a slightly more efficient late-game strategy.

Head-to-Head Matchup

When considering their direct meeting on the court, this game is likely to be a close contest. Both teams are well-matched in terms of record, and their styles of play complement each other. Artesia’s higher average points per game (61.2) might give them an edge offensively, but St. Pius X’s ability to finish strong in the fourth quarter (16.7 points per game) could prove crucial in a tight game.

Artesia will need to maintain its offensive rhythm and perhaps improve its road performance to overcome St. Pius X. On the other hand, St. Pius X will rely on their solid defensive strategy and ability to capitalize on neutral-site games, where they have excelled.

Record Breakdown: A Closer Look

• Artesia:
  • Home: 6-1
  • Away: 1-3
  • Neutral: 3-1
  • Non-League: 5-3
  • In-State: 10-5
• St. Pius X:
  • Home: 5-3
  • Neutral: 6-1
  • Non-League: 3-2
  • In-State: 11-4

While Artesia’s record reflects their strong home performances, St. Pius X’s neutral site dominance gives them a different kind of confidence as they prepare for crucial games.

Looking Ahead

As both teams continue their seasons, the matchups with common opponents, particularly Valencia and Belen, will be important in shaping the narrative for both teams leading up to their inevitable clash. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how both teams fare in their remaining games to better understand their chances in the head-to-head showdown.

In summary, the Artesia vs. St. Pius X game is shaping up to be a thrilling matchup between two of the top teams in New Mexico basketball. Both teams have had their share of challenges and triumphs this season, and their performance in the upcoming games will be pivotal in determining who takes the upper hand in this exciting rivalry.