VIDEO: Southern Wesleyan Cinematic Highlights
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (3-1) starts a stretch of three straight games in Holt Fieldhouse, and a run of five of six at home, with a matchup with the Erskine Flying Fleet (0-6), Saturday at 4 p.m.
A win over Erskine would clinch Carson-Newman a winning record in the month of November. While the Eagles have closed seasons strong of late, C-N hasn't finished above .500 in the month of November since 2018 when it started the season 5-0 and closed out the first month of the year 5-1.
Carson-Newman has found some offensive efficiency. Typically known for its defense under head coach Chuck Benson, Carson-Newman had shot better than 58 percent from the field in consecutive contests, and its 52.1 percent shooting clip for the season ranks third in the SAC and 40th nationwide.
The scoring efficiency has led to the Eagles putting up 85 points in three consecutive games - something that Carson-Newman hasn't done since Feb. 10-15, 2021 when it did so in consecutive games against UVA Wise, Catawba and Benedict. C-N hasn't scored 85 or more in four consecutive games since opening the 2016-17 with four consecutive 85-point performances. The Eagles downed Southern Wesleyan (106- 83), Lander (88-75), UVA Wise (96-91) and Lincoln Memorial (111-109) to start that season.
The SAC's reigning defensive player of the year, Bryant Thomas has transformed into an offensive force in 2022. Thomas leads the SAC, averaging 20 points per game. He entered his senior season with one career 20-point game. Thomas has turned in three, 20-point games in C-N's first four contests to start this season.
Carson-Newman leads the SAC and is fifth nationally in its ability to get to the free throw line. The Eagles have averaged making 20.8 free throws per game. C-N's 77.2 free throw percentage is second in the SAC.
Erskine has Conference Carolinas lowest scoring offense. The Flying Fleet averages 63.6 points per game. Erskine has been held under 60 points in three of its games this year.
The Flying Fleet have struggled to rebound the ball this season. Erskine ranks 282 out of 290 teams in NCAA Division II in rebound margin, getting out-boarded by 9.6 rebounds per game on average. North Georgia outrebounded the Fleet by 26 in a 76-58 win for the Nighthawks.
While the Fleet haven't smashed the glass as a team, Jaylen Prioleau is Conference Carolinas best rebounder, averaging 9.4 boards per game.
Tipoff between the Eagles and Flying Fleet is set for 4 p.m. Saturday. Coverage on the Eagle Sports Network starts at 3:45 with the AEC Countdown to Tipoff on Mountain Talk 106.3 (WPFT-FM, Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com/live. A paid video stream is available through FloSports at cneagles.com/flombb.
