The Bakersfield College men's basketball team (14-4, 3-1) is still smarting after Saturday's stunning 68-61 road loss to the Glendale Vaqueros.
But Coach Hughes has said-on more than once occasion-that the Renegades cannot come out slow, and that the Western State Conference South is stacked with teams that can ruin your day.
#8 Antelope Valley is probably at the top of the that list.
They are regularly ranked in the top 10 in California, but they are running into a deep BC team that is ranked #18 in State, and can play the spoiler IF...they come out of the gates hot, and free up opportunities for top rebounder and post man Deandre Dickson.
Coach Hughes issued a challenge to Jameik Riviere to become the top rebounder in the state, and the 5-7 New Yorker has done just that, averaging 8.3 per game while not showing a downturn in his scoring output.
The Renegades will also need to have a player step up in the event that Dickson is drawing the predictable double and triple teams.
Lawrence "Bam" Moore has scored in the double digits in five straight games dating back to a 15 point outburst against Allan Hancock on December 30th.
Nick Velasquez can also be that player as he's been a reliable outside shooter for the 'Gades this season, playing a role that Coach Hughes says "is exactly what the team needs from him right now."
Hughes has hinted that Velasquez has far more dimensionality to his game than the sharp-shooting sniper-style of play we've seen so far, but he's probably ready to put the Glendale game behind him with a big night against AV; he shot a highly uncharachteristic 20 percent from the field against the Vaqueros and was only two of eight from beyond the three point line, both season-lows for the Sophomore.
The 'Gades also have highly dynamic role players James Pendleton and Shane Christie who can quickly do damage and force a change of focus for opponent's defensive plans.
"For all the players can do, it sure helps to have a good crowd there, and that's home-court advantage, so please come out and support your team," Coach Hughes said.
The game will also be broadcast on the bakersfield.com network in high defintion.
"BC Sports Information Director Francis Mayer is always talking about what an exciting team (BC Men's basketball) they are to watch, and I can now testify to that; they are playing above the rim, they can be downright thrilling in transition...this is a great team to watch. They put on a good show," "Californian" Vice President of Content Louis Amestoy said.
The Renegades will host Antelope Valley at 7pm in the Gil Bishop Sports Center. Tickets are available at vallitix.com or at the door.