Central's girls varsity basketball team will travel to Maryvale to seek redemption on Thursday.

With only five games left in the regular season, the Bobcats look to pick up their second straight road win after defeating Trevor Browne 44-31 Tuesday night.

The two teams met last Tuesday, and Maryvale defeated Central 55-41, outscoring Central by 23 points in the first three quarters.

“We've got to identify and stop the three-point shooters,” said Central head coach Ernest Pouncy. “We've got to play much tighter defense and box out to prevent second and third chances at scoring.”

The Bobcats (8-9) are in third place in the 6A metro girls basketball standings and Panthers (10-12) are right behind them in fourth place.

Maryvale has won three out of its last five games, defeating Alhambra 32-30 Tuesday night.

“It’s going to be a challenge,” said Central junior Matalina Ochoa. “But now that we are familar with how they play, we know what to expect this time around.”

Ochoa is leading her team in points this season averaging 15.1 per game. She put up 16 points, two rebounds and nine steals when the Bobcats faced the Panthers last Tuesday.

“I’m expecting a lot more out of myself this time,” said Ochoa. “The end of the season is approaching, so I’m trying to stay motivated and continue playing my best.”

The Bobcats have been working on their free throws at practice after shooting 7-for-17 at the line when they last faced the Panthers.

“We tend to get to the free throw line a lot so it’s important that we learn to make them,” said Ochoa.

Central has won one of their last five games and Pouncy believes playing with high energy and perfecting free throws are important components to his team's success.

“I’m expecting a lot of energy from my team, they realized they let a couple games get away, so they're ready to come out and compete,” said Pouncy.

Senior Kaleah Barnes is ready to make her return to the court after missing one game for receiving two technicals against the Panthers last Tuesday.

“They played more aggressive than us last time,” said Barnes. “We thought it was going to be easy going in and underestimated them, but we’re ready this time.”

Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m.