Valley Suns Face Uphill Battle at Rip City Remix

PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Rip City Remix, holding a firm position above .500, will look to capitalize on home court against the struggling Valley Suns in a G League matchup Friday night at the Chiles Center.

The Remix (22-17) enter the contest following a lopsided 122-95 home loss to Iowa on Monday but had won three of their previous four. They will be heavily favored against a Valley squad that owns the league’s second-worst record at 12-28 and is riding a two-game skid.

All signs point to a significant challenge for the visiting Suns. Rip City has dominated the season series, winning both prior meetings. They edged the Suns 107-104 on Nov. 14 and secured a 112-101 victory on Nov. 25, both in Valley.

The Suns’ hopes will largely rest on the shoulders of center C.J. Huntley, who is in the midst of a dominant individual stretch. Huntley is averaging a double-double and coming off a powerhouse performance of 32 points and 14 rebounds in Monday’s 121-112 loss to Salt Lake City. Over his last 10 games, he has recorded eight double-doubles, including a 20-point, 15-rebound, five-assist effort in a win at Texas.

For the Remix, guard Cameron Parker serves as the primary catalyst. The floor general is averaging a double-double in assists and points over his last five healthy appearances, highlighted by a 15-assist game in a blowout win at Birmingham on Feb. 12. His playmaking will be central to Rip City’s offensive flow.

Valley’s defense, which has allowed an average of 119.3 points over its last 10 games, will be tested by a Remix offense that has scored 128 or more points in three of its last six contests. Containing Parker and generating consistent offense beyond Huntley will be critical for the Suns to snap their losing streak and improve a dismal 4-16 road record.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST at the University of Portland’s Chiles Center. The teams will meet again at the same venue Saturday night.