The Tartan varsity basketball team (Oakdale, MN) will play a home non-conference game against Hill-Murray (Maplewood, MN) today at 7 p.m.

Matchup Information:

• Hill-Murray vs Tartan Basketball
• Date: Friday, January 10, 2025, at 7 p.m.
• Location: Tartan High School, Oakdale
• Live stream: Watch Here

Hill-Murray vs. Tartan: A High-Stakes Basketball Showdown

In an exciting non-conference basketball matchup, the Hill-Murray Pioneers (4-5) will take on the Tartan Titans (9-0) in what promises to be a thrilling contest. The game will tip off tonight at 7:00 PM at Tartan High School in Oakdale, Minnesota, before the teams face off again in a return game at Hill-Murray on February 12, 2025.

Team Overview

Hill-Murray (4-5, 0-3 Home, 3-1 Away, 1-1 Neutral): Hill-Murray comes into this game with a slightly underwhelming record of 4-5 for the season, with a notable struggle at home, sitting at 0-3. However, the Pioneers have shown resilience on the road, boasting a 3-1 record. The team’s scoring average of 56.1 points per game indicates their reliance on defense and ball control to keep games close. Despite the challenges, Hill-Murray has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their recent wins against teams like Highland Park (68-67) and Simley (55-43). The key to their success will be consistency and finding ways to execute against a tough opponent like Tartan.

Tartan (9-0, 6-0 Home, 2-0 Away, 1-0 Neutral): On the other hand, Tartan is having a perfect season, sitting undefeated at 9-0. The Titans have been dominant across all facets of the game, posting a solid 74.6 points per game average. Their defense has also been impressive, allowing only 502 points on the season. Tartan has been virtually unbeatable at home, with a perfect 6-0 record. Their recent victories include a commanding 75-33 win over Highland Park and a 74-65 victory against St. Thomas Academy. Tartan’s strong balance on offense and defense will make them a tough test for Hill-Murray, who will need to be at their best to keep up.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When examining the two teams’ common opponents, Tartan has the edge. While Hill-Murray holds a 2-1 record against shared opponents, Tartan has managed to remain flawless with a 4-0 record. For example, both teams have faced Highland Park, with Hill-Murray winning 68-67 and Tartan cruising to a 75-33 victory. Similarly, Tartan defeated Simley 69-54, while Hill-Murray secured a 55-43 win.

Tartan’s overall dominance is reflected in their impressive wins over teams like Mahtomedi (69-54) and Two Rivers (76-64), showcasing their ability to put up high scores and limit opponents’ offensive threats. Meanwhile, Hill-Murray has shown they can compete but must improve their consistency to have a chance against the Titans.

Game Outlook

The game between Hill-Murray and Tartan will be a critical matchup for both teams. Hill-Murray will need to exploit Tartan’s few vulnerabilities, such as their small sample of neutral-site games, to pull off an upset. The Pioneers will have to improve their scoring efficiency and handle the Titans’ relentless pressure.

Tartan, on the other hand, will look to continue their perfect season and maintain their dominance on both ends of the court. With a potent offense and stingy defense, the Titans are poised to extend their winning streak, but they cannot afford to take Hill-Murray lightly.

Common Opponents and Final Thoughts

Looking ahead, both teams will continue to face similar challenges, as they both still have games against strong teams like Simley, Hastings, and St. Thomas Academy. Hill-Murray will be looking for a big performance against Tartan, especially as they continue to battle for positioning in their conference and overall record. Tartan, with their undefeated streak, will be hoping to make a statement and cement their status as one of the top teams in Minnesota.

The atmosphere is sure to be electric tonight at Tartan, with both teams eager to show their strengths. Hill-Murray, hoping to rebound after a few tough losses, will try to prove they can compete at the highest level, while Tartan aims to stay perfect as they march toward the postseason. This game is set to be a thrilling chapter in an already captivating basketball season.

Make sure to tune in for what promises to be a thrilling contest!