Motor City Looks for Road Sweep Against Struggling Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — The Motor City Cruise will aim for a quick two-game road sweep when they face the Birmingham Squadron for the second time in three days on Saturday at Legacy Arena.

The Cruise (10-15) handled the Squadron (9-18) with a 109-94 victory on Thursday night, handing Birmingham its fifth consecutive loss. Motor City has won two of its last three games overall.

A key factor will be whether Birmingham can find an answer for Motor City guard Jaden Akins, who has been on a scoring tear. Over his last 10 games, Akins is averaging 21.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He has scored 29 or more points in four of those contests, including a 35-point performance in an overtime loss to Westchester on Jan. 3.

For the Squadron, forward Josh Oduro has been a consistent presence despite the team’s struggles. He is averaging 16.2 points and 8.2 rebounds over the same 10-game span, recording three double-doubles. Oduro posted 24 points and 12 rebounds in a win at Delaware on Jan. 3, but Birmingham has managed just two victories in its last 10 outings.

Both teams reside near the bottom of their conference standings, making this a contest for momentum. The Cruise have shown a potent offense at times, scoring 138 points in a win over Windy City on Dec. 29, but have struggled with consistency.

Birmingham’s defense will be under scrutiny after allowing an average of 106.8 points during its five-game skid, which includes a 118-73 drubbing by Raptors 905 on Jan. 11.

Following Saturday’s game, Motor City returns home to face Grand Rapids on Jan. 22. Birmingham continues a five-game homestand against Greensboro on Monday.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.