Bobcat Women's Hoops Survive Scare, Must Bring Mental Focus vs. USC Aiken

Ah…back from playing in the snow!

Yours truly just built a snowman. Then of course, had to knock it down with the little kid that’s still in me.

Meanwhile, on Thursday night, the GCSU Bobcat women’s basketball team corralled a thrilling 56-52 overtime victory over the lowly Augusta State Jaguars. The Bobcats now stand at 16-6 overall and 9-3 in the Peach Belt Conference-West.

You might be thinking to yourself, “That sounded like a fun game.”

Wrong.

ASU is a dismal team. Their record: 1-22….Conference mark: 0-14.

We saw the continued story of the Bobcats not bringing any enthusiasm to the contest, and it showed by GCSU playing down to their opponent for much of the game.

Until Antoinette Reames stepped in! The senior center lifted the team on her shoulders, scoring 10 points, grabbing 10 boards, and swatting 10 shots!

That energy from Reames, however, must translate to the game this afternoon vs. USC-Aiken.

The Pacers are 13-10 and 8-6 in the PBC-east. Aiken has also won four straight games, not to mention six of ten away from the Convocation Center.

USC-A is only scoring 63.6 points per game (eleventh in conference), but their defense has been dazzling. The Pacers are allowing teams to score just 59.8 points per game on the year. Even more impressive, that number drops to 48 points allowed in the current four-game stretch.

The Pacers are led by senior forward Catherine Cain (12.6 points, 6 rebounds) and sophomore forward Hannah Degraffinreed (10.3 points, 6.3 rebounds).

The guard play is also solid for Aiken. Three players average at least 7 or more points on the year.

So, what must GCSU do to prevail?

Perhaps these key points will help:

1) Limit the post play for the Pacers. Cain, Degraffinreed and backup sophomore forward Lindsey Sundberg (6.3 points, 3.6 rebounds) all present intriguing matchups to Reames and junior forward Tammeshia Law of GCSU. The Bobcats can’t afford to get into foul trouble. Post-denial defense is crucial. GCSU can’t allow a one-on-one in the paint.

2) It seems like I mention this every time, but it’s key for this women’s team. Can Georgia College come out firing fast? Look to build momentum, playing hard, playing smart and playing together is imperative.

3) The Bobcats have been in a shooting funk of late. Over the last two games, Georgia College is shooting in the upper-20’s in field goal percentage. This is due in large to the fact that GCSU is settling for easy shots from the outside. The Bobcats must move the ball in and out effectively against Aiken. I think we all saw the success of that with Reames’ first career triple double.

4) Where has the bench been? GCSU really needs efficient minutes from junior guard Shaquana Bleach and junior forward Deja Montgomery. Junior guard Dominique Huffin has been the most reliable source off the bench, scoring in double-figures the last five games. It can’t be a one woman show.

5) Rebounding: Aiken is at 40.3 take-downs a game, while GCSU is at 40.1. This should be an interesting story line throughout the game.


And more storylines will probably unwrap themselves, too.

Let’s make it two straight for John Carrick’s ‘Cats!

Talk to you at 1:25 from Milledgeville’s Centennial Center. Live telecast on PeachBelt TV (www.pennatlantic.com- free sign up!)

Can I bring snow in the gym?