Southern Conference Notebook
by Robby Trail
The Southern Conference continues to struggle in non-conference play, going 5-6 in such games this week with teams losing several games they should have won. This week is a big one for the conference with non-conference match-ups against teams such as Vanderbilt, Alabama, Missouri, Arkansas, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Georgetown. The week will provide many chances for the conference to gain respect.
In conference play, Elon travels to Chattanooga which will be the Phoenix’s first conference game since joining the conference. Chattanooga, who made the conference tournament final last year, will look to show that they intend to contend with ETSU for the North Division championship. Elon will look to show they can compete with the teams in their new and more competitive conference.
North Division
ETSU Buccaneers (5-2, 1-0)
Last Week: Lost to Clemson 100-86 (OT)
This Week: Wednesday against Tennessee Tech, Saturday against Virginia Wise
Despite leading by six points with just over a minute to go, ETSU could not pull the upset over Clemson as the Tigers rallied to force overtime and then dominated the overtime period. However, forward Zakee Wadood, who scored, 24 points and had a school record 10 steals, appears to be back on track after struggling early in the season.
This week the Bucs should pick up two non-conference wins to add to their confidence leading into the conference season.
Western Carolina Catamounts (3-3, 1-0)
Last Week: Defeated Wofford 93-79
This Week: Wednesday against Averett, Monday against Arkansas
The Catamounts picked up a huge confidence booster with their conference opening win against Wofford. Kevin Martin, now the nation’s leading scorer, scored 33 points in the win.
Wednesday’s game against Averett will provide the Catamounts with more conference going into their game with Arkansas on Monday.
Appalachian State Mountaineers (4-5, 1-0)
Last Week: Lost to UNC-Charlotte 85-64
This Week: Thursday against Southern Methodist, Saturday against Tennessee Tech, Monday against Vanderbilt
In what could have been a breakthrough win for the Mountaineers, Appalachian State played horribly Saturday in Charlotte. They must rebound quickly as they play three tough non-conference road games this week. Will the real Appalachian State please stand up?
Chattanooga Mocs (5-2)
Last Week: Lost to Liberty 85-69, Defeated King College 96-49
This Week: Tuesday against Alabama, Saturday against Elon, Monday against Tennessee Tech
The Mocs got a wake up call as they we never really in the game against Liberty. Five Chattanooga players scored in double figures, including Ashley Champion who led all scorers with 24 points as the Mocs rebounded in their 96-49 win against King College.
Chattanooga has their final tune up before the conference season begins Saturday with a Tuesday trip to Tuscaloosa to take on SEC school Alabama.
UNC-Greensboro Spartans (5-3)
Last Week: Lost to High Point 72-65
This Week: Thursday against Coastal Carolina, Sunday against Missouri
The Spartans lost a non-conference game they should have won against High point in what seems to be an ongoing plague that has been affecting all SoCon schools. Thursday’s game against Coastal Carolina is UNCG’s last test before traveling to Missouri and Maryland in the next five days.
Elon Phoenix (3-4)
Last Week: Lost to Georgetown 91-70
This Week: Wednesday against Mercer, Saturday against Chattanooga
There were more positive signs for the Phoenix in the loss against Georgetown. Elon played well in the first half despite being without two starters due to illness. Mercer will give the Phoenix a good test before their showdown in Chattanooga Saturday. Elon will come to Chattanooga looking to gain some respect within the division.
South Division
Charleston Cougars (5-1, 1-0)
Last Week: Defeated Newberry 72-47
This Week: Thursday against Canisius, Saturday against UNC-Wilmington
Charleston had no problems disposing of Newberry College. Forward Thomas Mobley tied a career-high with 21 points and guard Robert Swain scored a career-high 17 points. The Cougars should win Thursday against Canisius before traveling to Wilmington.
Furman Paladins (4-3, 0-1)
Last Week: Defeated UNC-Asheville 60-56
This Week: Wednesday against Ohio State, Saturday against High Point
Furman trailed by 13 points in the second half but rallied late in the game for the four-point win against UNC-Asheville. Four of the five starters scored in double figures for the Paladins. The road will get much tougher Wednesday as Furman travels to Ohio State before hosting High Point on Sunday.
Georgia Southern Eagles (3-2, 0-1)
Last Week: Defeated Wagner 79-58
This Week: Wednesday against Southern Mississippi, Saturday against Tennessee Temple
The Eagles scored one of the few big non-conference victories for the conference with their blowout of Wagner. Now Georgia Southern must set their sights on two more winnable non-conference games against Southern Miss and Tennessee Temple.
Wofford Terriers (3-4, 0-1)
Last Week: Lost Western Carolina 93-79
This Week: Wednesday against Florida A&M, Saturday against Vanderbilt
Wofford had a big set back in their conference loss against Western Carolina. Guard Adrien Boarders led the Terriers with 18 points in the loss. Wofford must rebound with two non-conference games this week against Florida A&M and Vanderbilt.
Davidson Wildcats (3-5, 0-1)
Last Week: Lost to UNC-Charlotte 76-65, Defeated Haverford 79-62
This Week: Friday against Clarkson, Sunday against Seton Hall
After being out hustled in their loss to Charlotte, the Wildcats avoided a near embarrassing loss to Haverford with a second half rally. Davidson will have a chance to get their season jumpstarted with a good showing Sunday against Seton Hall.
The Citadel Bulldogs (2-5, 0-1)
Last Week: no games
This Week: Wednesday against Tennessee, Friday against Chowan College, Sunday against Georgetown
After five days off, the Bulldogs now must get back to work in a hurry if they want to end their three game losing streak. With non-conference games against Tennessee and Georgetown within five days of each other, The Citadel will have no room for error if they want to pick up wins.
