The Georgia Southern University Lady Eagles snuck away with a one-point victory last week over the College of Charleston Cougars but look to inflict more damage on Saturday at home.
The Eagles will play the Cougars for the second time in the last three games. The team was fortunate to leave Charleston, S.C., with a victory on Jan. 18. However, after two consecutive wins GSU will come into this game with confidence.

GSU Offense vs. CofC Defense
Points, rebounds and assists leader Meredith Frye, a junior, is coming off of a slow game vs. the Western Carolina Catamounts and needs start this game off right. Frye isn’t one to let a bad game get her down and the team will need her to be the leader on Saturday.

In addition to Frye’s leadership and play-making ability, the Eagles’ point per game leader against in-conference teams is sophomore Mimi DuBose. DuBose is averaging 10.0 ppg in conference play and was the scoring leader with nine points against the Cougars last game. However, the Eagles will be going up against the Southern Conference leader in rebounding. CofC averages 40.5 rebounds per game in addition to forcing the Eagles to turn the ball over 29 times when these two teams last met. Advantage: CofC, slightly.

CofC Offense vs. GSU Defense
The difference in the game will be GSU’s defense. How the Eagles can handle themselves defensively has been their best attribute all season. In the 35-34 victory on Jan. 18, the Eagles defense is what won the ballgame. The Cougars have failed to score more than 49 points in 13 of its 20 games, so keeping them to a similar statistic will prove important for the Eagles on Saturday. Also important will be rebounding for the Eagles. The team's rebounds per game average has increased by over two from last season, a number that is important because GSU’s rebounding has been on the decline ever since the 2007-2008 season. Coach Rusty Cram has stressed the importance of coming down with the boards, both defensively and offensively, more so this season than last. Advantage: GSU.
What to watch for: Free Throw differential
The Eagles only made it to the free throw line one time when they met the Cougars last game. CofC on the other hand, made it to the line nine times. Whether or not GSU can make it to the foul line, or perhaps keep the Cougars off of it, may prove to be the game changer in this one. Advantage: CofC.
Final Score: GSU 45, CofC 43.