Our regular season champion has been crowned as Bucky McMillan and Samford raised the trophy Saturday afternoon. Another pair of shocking results shake things up at the top while Mercer continues surging.
Samford (--)
Previous result: 87-71 Win vs. ETSU
Next Up: Wednesday @ Wofford
The champ is here. Bucky McMillan once told me the regular-season title is more impressive than the tournament championship because it represents a larger body of work. Fair. But we all know the only way to get that automatic bid is to get it done in Asheville. Samford dominated ETSU without Achor Achor and A.J Staton-McCray to grab the title, but it’ll need those guys back — along with the newfound production of Jaden Campbell — if it wants to make a run to the NCAA Tournament.
Furman (⬆️ 2)
Previous result: 82-67 Win vs. Wofford
Next Up: Wednesday @ Western Carolina
Furman is playing its best basketball at just the right time. It was just a few possessions away from ruining Samford’s perfect home record on Wednesday night, mostly due to the heroics of JP Pegues. And the Paladins put it on Wofford in their last game in Timmons Arena. When Pegues and Marcus Foster are on and Garret Hien plays with the energy he did Saturday, Furman will always be a tough out.
Chattanooga (⬇️ 1)
Previous result: 71-62 Loss at The Citadel
Next Up: Wednesday vs. Mercer
The “Kill Shot” got the best of Chattanooga again as a 14-0 run by The Citadel won the game. Trey Bonham returned from his ankle injury after one game but it wasn’t enough to get the victory on the road. While Honor Huff scored 20 points, the guard duo didn’t put together an overly inspiring performance and Sam Alexis left something to be desired inside, especially offensively. This team has been through a lot of adjusting this season, so there’s no doubt it can do it again. Fortunately for the Mocs, UNCG didn’t take advantage and the tie for second place still stands.
UNCG (⬇️ 1)
Previous result: 86-72 Loss at Mercer
Next Up: Wednesday vs. VMI
Imagine going back in time and telling someone that UNCG would be swept by Mercer in the regular season. The speed of the Langley twins helped UNCG in the first half, but once Mercer adjusted to it, there wasn’t much the Spartans could do offensively. Mikael Brown-Jones was held in check by the Mercer bigs, converting on just four field goals. With a golden opportunity to grab second place after UTC’s loss, UNCG fumbled. It just goes to show how wild Asheville truly is going to be.
Western Carolina(—)
Previous result: 84-51 Win at VMI
Next Up: Wednesday vs. Furman
There’s nothing to boost an offense quite like a matchup with VMI. After the WCU bench didn’t make a field goal in Wednesday’s loss to UNCG, it poured in 29 points in the blowout win of VMI. Whenever you can win with only 11 points from Vonterius Woolbright and the big four doesn’t have to play all 40 minutes, you’ll take it if you’re Justin Gray. The Cats win their 20th game for just the 2nd time in school history and look to build their confidence after taking care of VMI.
Mercer (⬆️ 1)
Previous result: 86-72 Win vs. UNCG
Next Up: Wednesday @ Chattanooga
Jalyn McCreay may be one of the purest hoopers I’ve ever seen. Through fluctuating minutes and coming off the bench, he’s turned it up lately to give Mercer some big wins and has played his way into All-SoCon consideration. The art of the midrange was on full display Saturday as UNCG couldn’t stop him when it needed to most. This Mercer team has found its identity. It’s solid in the paint and able to play inside-out because of it, resulting in high field goal percentages. The Bears are on fire at the right time, just a couple of weekends away from Asheville.
Wofford (⬇️ 1)
Previous result: 82-67 Loss at Furman
Next Up: Wednesday vs. Samford
Tough week for Wofford — a 16-point loss at Chattanooga and a 15-point one at Furman are not the best ways to build confidence heading toward the SoCon tournament. While Wofford is likely a year away from true contention, it is a talented group. It doesn’t get easier for the Terriers as they head to Samford on Wednesday. A three-game slide just before Asheville isn’t the best sign, especially when they all come against the league’s top teams.
ETSU(—)
Previous result: 87-71 Loss at Samford
Next Up: Wednesday @ The Citadel
The upside for the Bucs? Jadyn Parker continues to play his way towards Defensive Player of the Year honors with his 12-rebound, three-block, two-steal performance on Saturday. The downside? They still can’t score effectively. Quimari Peterson went 3-12, Ebby Asamoah went 6-15 and Jadyn Parker went 5-12 on Saturday, and the Bucs couldn’t keep up with Samford. Nothing new here, but props to Jadyn Parker on a phenomenal defensive season.
The Citadel (--)
Previous result: 71-62 Win vs. Chattanooga
Next Up: Wednesday vs. ETSU
With just its third Division I win on the year, Saturday’s upset of Chattanooga was the best one yet for The Citadel. Quentin Millora-Brown was able to keep Sam Alexis in check and Elijah Morgan made huge plays down the stretch. Despite the win, The Citadel is not talented enough to jump ETSU.
VMI (--)
Previous result: 84-51 Loss vs. Western Carolina
Next Up: Wednesday @ UNCG
You’ve got my heart, VMI. This team plays with heart and has a few good pieces. Stephen Olowoniyi continues to come into his own and Tyran Cook can score at a high clip. The roster simply isn’t good enough overall to make a run in Asheville.