JSU Game Notes / Belmont Game Notes

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville State women's basketball team returns to Pete Mathews Coliseum for a matchup with Ohio Valley Conference leader, Belmont, on Wednesday night.
 
The Gamecocks (8-9, 1-4 OVC) will host the only remaining unbeaten team in league play as the Bruins bring a 14-5 overall record and 6-0 conference mark into The Pete. The 2016 OVC Tournament champions have won 22 of their 23 OVC games, including their postseason run last March in Nashville, Tenn.
 
After some tough losses early in the conference schedule, a home upset of Belmont, who's won the last six series meetings, would be a big lift for the Gamecocks. Game time is set for 7 p.m. with free admission to all JSU students and fans ages 18 and under.
 
Senior Briana Benson leads the offense averaging just over 13 points per game, followed by Tyler Phelion at 10.9. Phelion has increased her scoring as of late, and posted a career-high 25 points against Austin Peay in JSU's last home game. The trio of Phelion, Rayven Pearson and newcomer Tasha Magruder has positioned JSU as one of the top rebounding teams in the conference. JSU is second overall for defensive rebounds, and ranks fifth on the offensive side. The JSU defense hauls in 78 percent of opponents' missed shots and hasn't allowed a team to reach double figures in second-chance points for 11-straight games.
 
The Bruins bring one of the top offenses to Jacksonville, averaging more than 75 points per game compared to JSU's 67. JSU will turn to outside threats in Benson, Gretchen Morrison and freshman Morgan Towells to equalize Belmont's efficient scoring. Finding scoring options will be primarily the responsibility of Lacey Buchanon and Kelly Naughton, who could have a significant impact on the contest depending on their ball-control.
 
Following Wednesday's action, JSU will return to the road for a Saturday afternoon game at Tennessee State.