Basketball Recap: J.L. Mann's Luck Changes for the Better on Saturday

J.L. Mann had to endure an eight-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They enjoyed a cozy 64-48 win over the Richland Northeast Cavaliers on Saturday. The matchup marked the Patriots' most dominant victory of the season.

Andrew Johnson had a dynamite game for J.L. Mann, going 9 of 13 on his way to 18 points and eight rebounds. Johnson has been hot recently, having posted eight or more rebounds the last three times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Dontez Walker, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 17 rebounds.

J.L. Mann smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 17 offensive rebounds in three consecutive games.

When it comes to explaining why Richland Northeast lost, don't look at Emmanuel Ard. Despite the final result, he posted 15 points. Another player making a difference was Joshua Nunn, who put up three points and three steals.

J.L. Mann's win bumped their record up to 4-9. As for Richland Northeast, they have been struggling recently as they've lost seven of their last eight contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 3-11 record this season.

J.L. Mann will get to enjoy the win for a while: their next game is against Easley at 7:30 p.m. on January 8th. As for Richland Northeast, they will look to defend their home court on January 6th against Lancaster at 7:30 p.m. Lancaster will roll in looking for their sixth straight victory, something Richland Northeast surely won't give up without a fight.