Preview: Greensboro Swarm at Rio Grande Valley Vipers

EDINBURG, Texas (Interstat) — The surging Greensboro Swarm look to continue their dominant run when they visit the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in a G League matchup Saturday at Bert Ogden Arena.

Greensboro (16-5) enters with the league’s best record and on a three-game winning streak, including a 149-119 road rout of Grand Rapids on Monday. The Swarm have won eight of their last nine games, averaging 130.2 points per contest during that stretch.

The Vipers (10-10), seeking consistency at the season’s midpoint, aim to bounce back from a 128-115 loss at Stockton on Wednesday. Rio Grande Valley has split its last six games.

A marquee individual matchup features two of the league’s hottest scorers. Greensboro forward Keyontae Johnson is averaging 26.4 points on 58% shooting over his last eight games. He erupted for 40 points, four rebounds and seven assists in just 34 minutes in Monday’s win.

Rio Grande Valley will counter with guard Tristen Newton, who is coming off a 33-point, seven-assist performance in the loss to Stockton. In his last three games, Newton is averaging 23.7 points.

The teams just met Friday night, with Greensboro securing a 64-52 victory in a defensively charged affair. Saturday’s rematch promises a contrasting, high-paced offensive showdown given both teams’ recent scoring trends.

For Greensboro, balance complements Johnson’s explosion. Josiah Allick (21 points, 10 rebounds) and Jaylen Sims (23 points, nine rebounds, five assists) were pivotal in the win over Grand Rapids.

Rio Grande Valley relies on Newton and guard Daishen Nix, who had 17 points and seven assists Wednesday. Center Tyler Smith adds an interior presence, scoring 22 points in the Stockton game.

The Swarm’s potent offense, leading the G League in several categories, will test a Vipers defense that allowed 128 points in its last outing. Rio Grande Valley will need to control the tempo and capitalize on home court to hand Greensboro just its sixth loss.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CST Saturday. The Swarm continue a road trip at Westchester on Jan. 15. The Vipers begin a two-game series at Mexico City on Jan. 13.