Big South set to ring in New Year with conference tipoff
New Year’s Eve is usually owned by college football, but college hoops will also be in the spotlight as Big South Conference play begins on Dec. 31. The league has had an interesting run through non-conference play, and all eleven teams are eager to play familiar in what should be a fun and competitive conference season.
Here’s a look at the matchups that will kick off conference play on New Year’s Eve.
Longwood (4-9) at Winthrop (5-6), 1 p.m.
Stream: Big South Network
The Winthrop Eagles have arguably been the most up and down team in the Big South so far. After losing two leaders in Larry Brown and James Bourne, both due to injury, Pat Kelsey’s team has had to rely on a young frontcourt and a veteran guard corps to get the job done.
There have been nights where that worked out, such as the Eagles 77-74 win over Clemson back in November, and there have been nights where it just hasn’t, such as the losses to MEAC foes Savannah State and Jacksonville State.
For Winthrop, it’s about that guard play that will guide the Eagles as both seniors Keon Moore and Andre Smith both have scoring averages in double-digits. Look for Pat Kelsey’s club to score from downtown, but they won’t be afraid to hand the ball in down low to young players like Xavier Cooks, Jarad Scott and Tevin Prescott.
The Lancers finished up nonconference play with a loss at Ball State, and have lost three of their last four. Longwood is a relatively young team, with eight newcomers on the roster. UAB transfer Quincy Taylor has been impressive in his senior season, averaging just over 17 points per game and shooting 49 percent from long range. In fact, he’s one of three Lancers averaging in double-figures so far this season.
Liberty (6-7) at Campbell (6-7), 2 p.m.
Stream: Big South Network
Campbell has been an intriguing story recently, as the team has won five of their last seven games heading into conference play. Center D.J. Mason has been a standout thus far, averaging 13.5 points per game along with 5 boards. He’s also one of the conference’s best shooters, ranking fourth in field goal percentage.
The Flames come having won four of their last seven games in the month of December after starting the season 2-4. Leading scorer Tomaz Gielo has been sidelined throughout the month with a stress reaction in his foot, but Joe Retic has responded well by passing the ball around and wrecking havoc by producing steals.
The Flames’ frountcourt has also meshed together well, as both forwards Andrew Smith and James Johnson average over 8 points per game. Liberty also knows how to guard the long-range shot, holding foes to just over 26 percent from downtown.
UNC Asheville (4-7) at Radford (9-4), 4 p.m.
Stream: Big South Network
Radford is a team that many haven’t labeled a contender for the Big South crown, but if the way they finished out their nonconference schedule is any indication, they should be talked about more.
The Highlanders enters in winning seven of their last eight games, including a road win over Virgina Tech back on Dec. 7. The team is averaging 70 points per game led by senior forward Javonte Green (12.6 ppg). The team also leads the conference in blocks per game, and will look primarily to their frontcourt to make big plays.
For the Bulldogs, the early slate has been struggling to say the least. The team has dropped three straight and four of their last six including an overtime loss at UNC Charlotte. Regardless, sophomore guard Andrew Rowsey has continued to impress and light up stat sheets, averaging 22 points per game. He’ll look to become the first sophomore in UNCA history to reach 1,000 career points. He and his team will have to rely on forcing turnovers, as the Bulldogs lead the conference in steals per game.
Gardner-Webb (8-5) at Presybterian (4-9), 6 p.m.
Stream: Big South Network
The Runnin’ Bulldogs lead the way in terms of scoring offense in the Big South, averaging 76 points per game in a nonconfernce slate that included wins over Clemson, College of Charleston and Purdue.
Jerome Hill is a scoring threat for G-W, averaging nearly 18 points per game and gobbling up nearly 9 rebounds per game.
For the Blue Hose, they only have four wins to show for thus far and none have come against Division I competition. Jordan Downing still has 16 points per game for PC, and the team knows how to play tough defense inside when it needs to.
Coastal Carolina (9-3) at High Point (9-3), 7 p.m.
Stream: Big South Network
In many opinions, this will be the marquee matchup of the day as both teams come in tied for the best record up to this point and a clash between the defending tournament and regular season champions.
Coastal comes in off a ten-day break as one of the most dynamic teams in the Big South. Four of their five probable starters are averaging nearly 9+ points per game and are led by senior guard Warren Gillis (13.7 PPG). The Chants also come in with the league’s best scoring defense, allowing just around 55 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Panthers got in tune up game in a 85-48 rout of Thomas University on Sunday and are one of just 44 schools to post a nonconference winning percentage of .750 or better in two straight seasons. Big South Preseason Player of the Year John Brown leads the conference in field goal percentage, shooting .580 thus far while scoring 18.5 points per game. In fact, the Panthers lead the conference in total field goal percentage, but have struggled in gaining a rebounding margin advantage.
Aside from Brown and Gillis, there will be loads of veteran talent on the floor for both teams in what should be a fun, back and forth tilt to decide who is really in control of the Big South.