Winter Sports

Five Games to Follow: Rivalry Tuesday

Here's a look at some key matchups on Tuesday night's high school basketball schedule, plus a few stellar rivalry games.

Merrimack and Bishop Guertin play in just one of several rivalry games Tuesday night.

Here's a look at some key matchups on Tuesday night's high school basketball schedule, plus a few stellar rivalry games.

1. Bishop Guertin (10-2) at Merrimack (11-1) boys basketball, 6:30 p.m.

There are many schools and many sports that Bishop Guertin has a rivalry with, but with since the creation of two public high schools in Nashua, the one with Merrimack - particularly in boys basketball - is the biggest. And because of that anything can happen, and usually does. Like last year. And in the playoffs in 2012. And the regular season that year. And let's not forget this game, too.

This year, both teams could use a win. Merrimack needs one to keep pace with Manchester Central and Trinity, while Bishop Guertin could use one to not only bounce back from last Friday's loss to the Pioneers, but to remain in the top four in Division I. The key number for the night is 60. The Tomahawks have allowed 60 or more points just twice this season, while the Cardinals have scored under 60 twice, and both were losses.

2. Londonderry (11-1) at Pinkerton (10-1) girls basketball, 7 p.m.

These teams played 10 days ago, with the Astros handing the shorthanded Lancers their first loss of the year. Londonderry will once again be without guard Aliza Simpson, who likely won't be back until just before the playoffs. In the first meeting, Pinkerton pulled off a 53-49 win on the road, one game after suffering its only loss of the season.

It's the start of a tough stretch for the Astros, who after Tuesday's game are off for six days before playing Nashua North (Feb. 17), Bishop Guertin (Feb. 19) and Bedford (Feb. 21) in a span of five days.

3. Moultonborough (6-6) at Epping (10-3) boys basketball, 7 p.m.

While there is space between these teams in the standings, the game could be closer than expected, because of the status of Epping's Jimmy Stanley. The senior has missed the last three games, in which the Blue Devils are 1-2, with that one win a 62-57 victory over Moultonborough a week ago. If Epping is going to remain at the top of Division IV without its top scorer, it's going to need a win in this game.

4. Campbell (14-1) at Bow (11-4) girls basketball, 7 p.m.

Another rematch here, one that the Cougars likely circled on the schedule a few weeks ago. The Falcons took the first meet in Litchfield, 43-39, handing Campbell its only loss of the year. The Cougars have won six in a row since, while Bow had an eight-game win streak snapped its last time out in a 36-31 loss to Bishop Brady on Feb. 8.

5. Gilford (9-3) at Farmington (9-5) boys basketball, 7 p.m.

As hard as it is to believe, Farmington is currently 10th in the Division III standings, despite having nine wins. In a division that looks like it could be dominated by Conant (12-1), Hopkinton (12-1), Newport (12-2) and Campbell (10-2), these two teams are poised to be contenders. Gilford already owns a 57-43 win over Farmington on Jan. 31.