Next up:                              Georgia Southern University Eagles
Conference:                        Sun Belt Conference (SBC)
Time:                                   November 23, 2024; 12PM ET
Venue:                                 Charles E Smith Center; Washington DC
2023-24 Record:                 15-18 (4-14 in SBC – 12th Place)
2025 Projection:                 8th
Current Record:                 4-0
Common Opponents:       Ohio
Last Time Out:                   No Recent History
Broadcast:                         ESPN+ 

Opponent Summary: The undefeated Georgia Southern Eagles visit the Smith Center on Saturday for a noon tipoff against the Revs. Among their recent victories was an opening day 12-poinrt win over the Ohio Bobcats on the road. Despite their record so far, the Eagles are projected to finish in the bottom half of the SBC after a 12th place finish last season. The Eagles offense features balanced scoring from a trio of guards and efficient inside play from their frontcourt. Nicole Gwynn (13.2 ppg), McKenna Eddings (12.0 ppg), and Nakiyah Mays-Prince (10.8 ppg) provide the bulk of the scoring. Forward Indya Green adds 9.3 ppg, while controlling the boards with 10.3 rpg, and 6’3” center Leah Johnson (7.3 ppg and 6.0 rpg) keys the defense with almost 2 blocks per game. As a team, GSU scores at a 71.3 ppg clip, while allowing 62.3 ppg to their opponents. They are shooting 41.2% from then field (32.8% from 3-point range), with a respectable assist-to-turnover ratio of .92. By comparison, GW is at 68.4 ppg, while allowing 56.4 ppg, and shooting 40% from the field (23.2% on 3-pointers). Their assist-to-turnover ratio is only .70, highlighting the need to take better care of the ball.
 
About the game: In Wednesday’s win against winless Towson, the Revs demonstrated that they are capable of sustained periods of offensive proficiency, regardless of who is in the game. GSU’s talent seems to be on a par with Towson, but they come into the contest with a winning mindset. Hopefully, GW can remain grounded and stay the course. The eight-player rotation (Engel appears to be out for now) seemed to work out and substitutions had little effect on the overall performance of the team. The balanced scoring is welcome as 7 of the 8 rotation players have had double figure games. Defensively, the Revs will have to manage the Eagles’ trio of guards, who are high-volume, but are only 34.7% combined from the field. Their 3 top front court players (Green, Johnson, and Paris Gaines) have been more efficient, averaging a combined 24.4 ppg on 50.4% accuracy from the field. GW’s post defense will have to stiffen up and make the Eagles’ front court work hard for their scores. The key for GW offensively will be to continue to share the ball and maintain their composure, especially in the face of a full court press. Hopefully the coaches can make sure the players, as a team and as individuals, preserve their focus for a full four quarters.