Birmingham Squadron Aims to Rebound Against Delaware Blue Coats

WILMINGTON, Del. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to steady their seasons will meet Saturday when the Birmingham Squadron visit the Delaware Blue Coats in a G League matchup at 76ers Fieldhouse.

Both clubs enter the contest on the heels of recent blowout losses. Birmingham (8-12) was routed 107-83 at College Park on Thursday night. Delaware (7-12) is playing its first game since a 136-115 home loss to Iowa on Monday, despite coming off a dramatic 119-118 victory over Iowa two days prior.

The game features a compelling matchup between two of the league’s top recent performers. Birmingham will lean on guard Jaden Springer, who is averaging 19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists over his last eight games. He erupted for 31 points in a win at College Park on Dec. 30.

Delaware counters with center Johni Broome, who has been a force. He is averaging 20.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists over his last 10 contests, including a 32-point, 8-rebound performance in the one-point win over Iowa on New Year’s Eve.

The Squadron have struggled on the road this season, while the Blue Coats have found wins elusive at home. Both teams rank near the bottom of their respective conference standings, adding urgency to this two-game set, as they will meet again in Wilmington on Sunday.

Delaware hopes to replicate its success from Dec. 21, when Broome’s 32 points and 14 rebounds powered a road win over Texas. Birmingham seeks to rediscover the form that produced a 132-108 victory on Dec. 30, led by Springer’s efficient scoring.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Saturday.