SoCon Thursday Preview

A daily preview of each SoCon game.

Thursday Thought

Western Carolina, Chattanooga and Wofford are all fighting for the two and three seed along with Elon. They all play games against teams they are favored against on Thursday. This is a critical night, as no team can afford a slip up against this competition if they are going to stay in this battle for second place. Georgia Southern and Appalachian State are also in the intense fight for the sixth seed, so today matters immensely for them as well.

Furman at Wofford

The Paladins have been close to several teams, but Wofford dominated them in Spartanburg earlier this year. The Paladins will rely on Stephen Croone and hope for the best. He is a special player at driving to the basket. Kendrec Ferrara and Adonis Rwabigwi have been playing very well inside the paint. This team is rapidly improving and I think could pose a real threat to a team or two at the SoCon Tournament. The Terriers offense has been so good lately, and their defense has always been good. Karl Cochran and Spencer Collins combined for 42 points the first time they hooked up. The Terriers outside players are a mismatch for the Paladins. I think Furman can pull an upset. But I don't think it is here. Terriers 71, Paladins 62.

Georgia Southern at Chattanooga

The Eagles were give some serious challenges to the Mocs defense with Tre Bussey and Jelani Hewitt. They are such good guards. When the Eagles are shooting well, they are very tough to beat. The bad news for the Eagles is that the Mocs are the best team in the conference at defending the three pointer. We'll have to see if the Eagles can knock down some threes and break the Mocs defense. The Eagles are not tall, but the Mocs are not either. However, they get into the paint with Z Mason and Casey Jones a lot. I don't think the Eagles have an answer in the paint for the Mocs interior play. I think the Mocs match-up well with the Eagles and win at home. Mocs 75, Eagles 65.

Western Carolina at Appalachian State

The Catamounts survived in overtime against the Mountaineers at home earlier this year. This one is on the road, so it will not be easy. The Catamounts have gone just 4-4 in their last eight games, and two of those were in overtime. Brandon Boggs has been outplaying Trey Sumler lately, and that is not a particularly good recipe for them. Tawaski King is a key player in the paint. Seeing King go against Tommy Spagnolo should be a lot of fun. How healthy Jay Canty is for the Mountaineers will play a huge factor in this one. This will be a very entertaining, close game. I have no idea who wins this one. I'll take my chances on Western pulling off another tight one, but who knows really. Catamounts 73, Mountaineers 72.