The Georgia Southern University women’s basketball team looks to take on Southern Conference rival Appalachian State University this Saturday at 7 p.m.

The Lady Eagles have struggled against the Mountaineers this year. App. State is ranked first in the SoCon with a 10-1 record.  The teams’ last meeting was on Dec. 1 and the Mountaineers were able to defeat GSU 64-45 in Boone, N.C.  However, the Lady Eagles have experienced their most successful month in January, and with players like Mimi Dubose and Anna Claire Knight recording impressive statistics for the team the team should be able to give the Mountaineers a run for their money at its home court of Hanner Fieldhouse.

THREE POINT SHOOTING

The Lady Eagles have made an increasing amount of three-pointers as the season has progressed, averaging a total of 3.3 three-pointers per game, as opposed to App. State’s average of 2.9. Sophomore guard Dubose alone averages 1.2 three-pointers per game and with heavy hitters such as her, the Lady Eagles are more than prepared to go blow-for-blow with App. State’s three-point shots.

ADVANTAGE: GSU

FREE THROWS

In order to overcome the Mountaineers high scoring offense, the Lady Eagles will need see a greater number of free throws made, an aspect that the team has struggled with all year.  The Lady Eagles make an average of 11.9 free throws per game, while the Mountaineers make an average of 14.  The Lady Eagles will have to see positive numbers from the charity stripe in order to put a dent in the App. State offense.

ADVANTAGE: ASU

SCORING

App. State averages a total of 66.8 points per game, while the Lady Eagles average only 51.5 per game. GSU will need to step up its offense and see high scoring numbers to contend with the Mountaineers. But, if freshman Knight and veteran players Meredyth Frye and Dubose are ready to play, the Lady Eagles should be able to give the Mountaineers a good fight.

ADVANTAGE: ASU

PLAYER TO WATCH: Mimi Dubose

Dubose has put up solid numbers for the Lady Eagles, averaging 8.9 points per game and leading the team in three-pointers.  Dubose has seen double digits in five of the eight games played in January, including 14 points against Elon University and 19 against University of North Carolina Greensboro.  She will need to be able to contribute to the Lady Eagles offense if GSU wants to see a win against the No. 1 Mountaineers.

ADVANTAGE: GSU

FINAL SCORE: 45-43 GSU