Game #23 - Davidson Wildcats

Game #23 - Davidson Wildcats
Location: Belk Arena, Davidson, NC
Date: Thursday, Feburary 7th, 2013
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Series: The Wildcats own a 37-20 overall record with the Catamounts
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV: none
Live Video: Davidson All Access




In the midst of a three game conference losing streak, the Catamounts travel to perennial league favorite Davidson (15-7, 10-1 SoCon) on Thursday, Feb. 7 at Belk Arena in Davidson, N.C.

Tipoff between the Catamounts and Wildcats is set for 7 p.m. (ET). Western is currently tied for third place in the latest North Division standings at 5-5, while Davidson remains out in front of the South Division with a 10-1 record.  While the Cats have lost two games since meeting Davidson in Cullowhee, the Wildcats have won 3 games (ASU, Samford, and Wofford).

Davidson returned all five starters and their top eight scorers & rebounders from last season's SoCon championship team. Last year’s two SoCon Players of the Year De’Mon Brooks (14.0 ppg/6.3 rpg) and Jake Cohen (13.5 ppg/5.5 rpg) continue to lead Davidson in both scoring and rebounding.

Davidson leads the SoCon in scoring margin (+7.6) and the Wildcats continue to boast a Top 100 scoring offense, averaging 71.9 points per game which ranks them best in the conference. The Wildcats rank No. 1 SoCon with a free-throw accuracy of 80.7 percent led by senior guard Nik Cochran, who is making 94.0 percent of his free-throw attempts (79-of-84) this season.

To win, the Catamounts must limit their fouls (which will be almost impossible in Belk Arena) and not put the Wildcats on the charity line, as well as limit their turnovers.  On defense, the Cats must focus on preventing the Wildcats' 3-point opportunities (they made 12 of 21 for 57.1% in Cullowhee).

If ever the Cats need consistent shooting and scoring for an entire game, it will be at Davidson.

My heart tells me that the Cats have an opportunity for a big upset, but my brain tells me WCU leaves Davidson with their losing streak still in place.

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