One thing will be certain after tonight when Eastside travels to neighboring Alcovy: It should be one heck of a boys basketball game.

Entering today, the Tigers (7-12 overall, 4-6 Region 8-AAAA, Sub-region B) are tied with Rockdale County for third in the region standings (see inset). Meanwhile, the Eagles (7-10, 2-6) are tied for dead last alongside Salem.

But as with all good rivalries, records are meaningless.

"Well, I think we've got to be able to control our composure," says Eastside coach Michael Gerald. "I guess you look at it kind of like going into the Newton game, but we have more at stake in playing (Alcovy) than playing Newton."

The Eagles were swept by Newton earlier this season.

On Jan. 15, Alcovy defeated Eastside, 62-44, unable to contain Worrel Clahar who poured in a game-high 28 points.

Like last year, the Tigers appear to be playing their best at just the right time.

"Hopefully, we're peaking at the right time," said Alcovy coach Eugene Brown on Tuesday after beating Salem, 45-40.

On Saturday, the Tigers dominated Newton, 50-35, holding the Rams to their lowest scoring output of the season.