Well, let’s go back to the drawing board.
GCSU is back at again Sunday, playing host to the University of North Carolina Pembroke Braves. Georgia College is fresh off a 92-77 loss at the hands of the #17 Francis Marion Patriots on Friday. The loss snapped the Georgia College six game winning streak, putting the Bobcats at 13-5 and 6-2 in the Peach Belt Conference-west. The conference mark ties GCSU for first place with Clayton St.
Georgia College was torched in all facets of the game against FMU. The Bobcats particularly struggled with the Patriot defensive pressure, as well as getting back on the defensive side of the floor. GCSU was outscore by 30 in points at the paint at 50-20, and also beaten by the FMU bench 38-18. GCSU was also out-rebounded 51-40 on the night, 33-26 on the defensive glass.
With that being said, John Carrick’s ‘Cats must find the energy to return to the hardwood after a short one day hiatus to take on a talented UNCP Braves squad. The Braves stand at 11-9 and 5-5 in the PBC-east division, good for the third place.
The Braves bring a four game winning streak into the Centennial Center on Sunday afternoon, and look to continue getting point production from the interior. Led by junior forward JaToya Kemp (17.8 points per game, 8.1 rebounds), the Braves possibly present GCSU some troubles down low. UNCP also has junior forward Briana Stanton on the blocks (6.8 points, 4 rebounds) to help facilitate the action to Kemp.
Therefore, here are the keys to the game Georgia College needs to focus on:
1) It is imperative to get off to a quick start. Along this line, GCSU must bring energy that was sparse in the Francis Marion contest. Interestingly enough, when the Bobcats score first this season, GCSU is at an impressive 7-4.
2) The Braves present a squad that is very talented at the forward positions. With Kemp and Stanton down low, senior center Antoinette Reames (11.9 points, 8.5 rebounds) and junior forward Tammeisha Law (5.7 points, 6.3 rebounds) must play fundamental defense in order to limit points in the paint by Kemp and Stanton.
3) Ironically enough, the last statement was a perfect segue into this point. Georgia College must find production from the inside as well.
4) If Georgia College can force UNCP into taking contested shots from the perimeter (UNCP averages just 4.3 three’s per game), then the Bobcats should be just fine.
5) GCSU must limit turnovers. GCSU committed 18 turns against a high-powered FMU defense this past Friday night, the most in the past six games (when Georgia College has under 18 turns in the last six outings, the Bobcats are 5-1).
As always, Chimere Jordan didn’t surprise anyone with her outstanding play on Friday against the Patriots. The junior guard put up 28 points on the night, nabbing eight boards (seven on defense), while swatting two shots, garnering one dime and going a perfect 8-8 from the charity stripe. Look for the Bobcat offense to rely on Jordan again to carry the load.
The problem is not offense. GCSU had four players in double-figures last game. However, defensively, GCSU must tighten up.
Time to start a new streak on Sunday! It’s the Braves and the Bobcats! Great conference action on tap!
Chat with all of you at 1:20 on PeachBelt TV (www.pennatlantic.com – sign up for free telecast!)
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