VIDEO: Chuck Benson Interview
Carson-Newman hasn't lost to Newbery since dropping an 82-71 decision to the Wolves on Feb. 18, 2011 in Holt Fieldhouse.
The Eagles current win streak over Newberry has come with plenty of hot shooting. Carson-Newman has shot no worse than 52 percent against Newberry on its current win streak (last year's 82-72 win in the SAC semis) and crested at a whopping 60 percent (the Eagles' senior night win last year).
Carson-Newman is shooting 221-for-399 from the floor over the win streak, that's 55.3 percent shooting.
"They are very capable even with losing two incredible players in Dondray Walker and Demarkus Smith," head coach Chuck Benson said. "We'll have to do a great job of getting back in transition. We have to contain one-on-one and prevent them from shooting uncontested threes."
Newberry drained a South Atlantic Conference record 22 threes in the Wolves 122-69 win over Allen in Eleazer Arena. The 22 threes are also the highest mark in NCAA Division II this season. Newberry also produced 22 steals in that game leading to 45 points off turnovers. The 22 steals equates to the high water mark in Division II this season and is four off the Wolves' own conference record (set in 2011 in a loss to Carson-Newman).
The Wolves' Mason Spease led the charge in the win over Allen. He drained eight of his 10 three-point attempts and had 26 points. James Stepp wasn't too shabby either in the win. He had 20 points and was 6-for-8 from deep.
"Spease is a new face for them," Benson said. "He had that great individual showing last game. However, Stepp really can heat up and hurt you. However, when you're averaging 95 points per game, they have so many guys who can step up and hurt you."
Xavier Holmes leads the Wolves in scoring on the season with 14.0 points per game. He's one of seven Wolves who average at least six points per game.
Tipoff between Carson-Newman and Newberry is set for 4 p.m. Saturday. Coverage on the Eagle Sports Network begins at 3:45 with the AEC Countdown to Tipoff on Mountain Country 106.3 (WPFT-FM Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com/live.
