Carson-Newman game notes

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Only two teams are unbeaten in South Atlantic Conference play and Carson-Newman (11-2, 4-1 SAC) faces one of them Saturday at 4 p.m. The Anderson Trojans (9-4, 5-0 SAC) will try to stay in a tie atop the leaderboard with Wingate when the Eagles travel to the Abney Athletic Center.

The Trojans are on a three-game winning streak for the season, which includes a one-point win over then no. 12 Lincoln Memorial, and a three-game win streak over Carson-Newman. 

Carson-Newman finds itself receiving votes for the first time since the first week of January during the 2002-03 season.  

"We've done enough to gain some degree of respect," Carson-Newman coach Chuck Benson said.  "We're not going to make a big deal about that other than to acknowledge that's where we're at and that we still have room for improvement."

Improvement may come at a level of increased difficulty against the Trojans.  AU is led by All-SAC first teamer and preseason player of the year Denzail Jones.  The senior averages 20.9 points per game, good enough to lead the SAC. 

"He's a tough match for anybody," Benson said. "He's small, but he's jet quick.  He plays with unbelievable confidence.  I'm hoping that what we do defensively will slow him down some."

The Eagles will counter not with the typical duo of Antoine Davis (Rustburg, Va.) and Ish Sanders (Cleveland, Tenn.), but with a trio that includes Cody Henegar (South Pittsburg, Tenn.).  Henegar has improved on his career high in each of the last three games. 

Over the past five contests, the trio is averaging 55 points per game together.  Davis is averaging 20.6 per game, Sanders contributes 19.4 while Henegar adds 14.6 over that stretch.

Carson-Newman is tops in the league in field goal percentage at 51 percent. A factor that Benson indicated will contribute greatly Saturday. 

"That's the bottom line," Benson said. "If we can make shots on the road, then defend and rebound, then we've got a chance to beat them."

However, that will be challenging against a Jason Taylor-coached team that's two years removed from an appearance in the Elite Eight.

"He's built that program into one of national recognition.  Their identity is tied into what they do offensively with a version of the dribble-drive offense.  It's very tough to guard with the players that know how to run it well."

Carson-Newman and Anderson tip at 4 p.m. from the Abney Athletic Center.  Pregame coverage starts at approximately 3:45 p.m. on the Coca-Cola Eagle Sports Network with the Farm Bureau Countdown to Tipoff on ESPN Radio 106.3 The Zone and online at cneagles.com.

-CN-