Preview: Skyhawks, Cruise Meet in G League Showdown

WALKER, Mich. (Interstat) — Two teams on vastly different trajectories will meet Friday when the struggling College Park Skyhawks visit the surging Motor City Cruise in a G League matchup at DeltaPlex Arena.

The Skyhawks (9-26) enter on a five-game losing skid, including a heartbreaking 130-129 overtime loss at Noblesville on Feb. 12. Their season has been defined by defensive struggles, allowing an average of 128.5 points during this recent slide.

College Park’s lone bright spot has been the spectacular play of guard RayJ Dennis. Over his last nine games, Dennis is averaging 25.2 points and 10.0 assists per contest, including a 47-point, 11-assist effort in the narrow loss to Noblesville. His triple-double of 34 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists in a Feb. 7 win over Rip City highlights his all-around dominance.

Conversely, the Cruise (18-18) have found their rhythm, winning five of their last seven to reach .500. They are coming off a 123-108 road victory over Maine on Feb. 12, part of a successful back-to-back sweep.

Motor City is powered by wing Wendell Moore Jr., who has been on a scoring tear. He dropped 40 points in a Jan. 24 win at Delaware and is averaging 23.6 points over his last 10 appearances. His consistency has keyed the team’s midseason resurgence.

The only previous meeting this season was a classic, with the Cruise edging the Skyhawks 113-112 in College Park on Dec. 22.

For the Skyhawks to snap their streak, they will need more than Dennis’s heroics. Support from players like Basheer Jihad (23 points vs. Noblesville) and Caleb Houstan must materialize, and the league’s worst defense must find answers.

The Cruise, aiming to solidify a playoff position, will look to Moore and a balanced attack that saw Isaac Jones score 26 points in their last outing. Playing at home, where they are 10-7 this season, provides another advantage.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST Friday. The teams will meet again at the same venue on Sunday.