JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The Carson-Newman Lady Eagles basketball team (7-2, 1-1 South Atlantic Conference) will step back into conference play as they renew their rivalry with the Tusculum Pioneers (7-3, 1-1 South Atlantic Conference) at Pioneer Arena in Greeneville, Tenn., on Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

The Lady Eagles are coming off a 79-60 victory over Virginia Intermont on Dec. 30, powered by double-digit scoring nights for freshman Tatum Burstrom (Maryville, Tenn.) and sophomore Lacy Miller (Dandridge, Tenn.).

"We're ready to play again after the little bit of a break after Virginia Intermont," said Carson-Newman head coach Mike Mincey. "It's nice to get into conference play where you can get into a little bit of a groove, playing every Wednesday and Saturday."

Burstom has scored 16 points in the last two games for the Lady Eagles, and she leads the team in scoring by averaging 13.8 points per game. She also is ranked sixth in the nation in three-point percentage (49.1%).

Miller scored 15 points and hit four three-pointers against Virginia Intermont as she posted a career-high in scoring.

"Lacy can shoot the basketball," said Mincey. "Certainly glad to see her pull the trigger and start shooting the ball and I hope it carries over to conference play."

The Lady Eagles will play nothing but conference games for the rest of the season, and the Lady Eagles went 1-1 against SAC competition in December.

Tusculum is 7-3 this season and also is 1-1 in SAC-play, beating Lincoln Memorial on Nov. 28 and falling to Wingate in their last game on Jan. 5, 56-46.

Tusculum is led in scoring by guard Kendal Baxter, who is averaging 14.2 points per game and leads the team with 34 three-pointers made this season. The Pioneers, coached by Katrina Williams, were picked to finish fourth in the preseason SAC poll, with Baxter earning preseason All-SAC honors and senior guard April McCann earning second-team All-SAC honors.

"Tough opponent with Tusculum," said Mincey. "I've seen (Baxter) all four years she's been at Tusculum, and if you let her get going she can shoot you out of the game."

Coverage of the game is available on the Coca-Cola Eagle Sports Network, beginning with the Farm Bureau Countdown to Tipoff at 5:45 p.m. and the broadcast is also available on www.cneagles.com.