Friday, November 13
Lincoln, Neb.
8:05 p.m.
Davidson College Athletics
at
Nebraska
Seniors: Alex Thompson, Julia Paquette and Monica Laune
Photo by: Tim Cowie - DavidsonPhotos.com
Plenty of Potential for 2009-10 Davidson W. Basketball Squad
11/11/2009 11:17:55 AM | Women's Basketball
Gavin McFarlin - Assistant SID
Seeking its seventh winning season in the last eight years, and looking to continue its winning ways in Southern Conference play, the Davidson women's basketball team starts its quest this weekend, Nov. 13-15, with a trip to the state of Nebraska to take on Big 12 opponent Nebraska and Missouri Valley member Creighton on Friday (8:05 p.m. EST) and Sunday (2:05 EST). It will be the first meetings against both schools for the Wildcats.
This year is full of potential, and head coach Annette Watts, who is entering her ninth season, is excited and ready to turn that potential into solid, concrete results that will lead Davidson to what it hopes to be one of its best seasons in recent history.
Below is the season preview for the Wildcats...
The Wildcats' 2009-10 season has all the making for a great run, as the potential of this year's squad has never been greater. With a great balance of talent from top to bottom, more depth than it has had in the last three years, and the leadership of three veteran seniors, Davidson has the capablity to make this year a great one.
“Our team is hungry to win and receptive to everything our staff has been offering,” said head coach Annette Watts, who is the all-time winningest coach in program history. “This preseason has been the best in years. The team has embraced several new concepts and each player has a mental toughness that we have missed in the past.”
The potential is there. It all comes down to everyone believing it exists and to turn that potential into solid, concrete results that will lead Davidson to what it hopes to be one of its best seasons in recent history.
Last season the Wildcats finished 12-18 overall, facing top program's like Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Mississippi, Xavier, Cincinnati, St. Joseph's and cross-county rival Charlotte, and holding their own in most of the games. They had their sixth straight winning season in league games at 11-9.
Gone due to graduation are starters Mercedes Robinson and Mandy Halbersleben. Robinson, a two-time first-team All-Southern Conference pick, left her name scattered throughout the Wildcat record books, and Halbersleben was one of the hardest workers on the court during her four-year career and an unsung team leader.
“Yes, we lost Mercedes, one of the best post players in the league, and Mandy, the consummate worker, but I still believe we have some solid pieces to put together a successful season.”
The solid pieces Watts is refering to is the return of seven letterwinners, which starts with the senior class of Monica Laune, Julia Paquette and Alex Thompson. The trio, who were freshmen on the 2006-07 team that helped Davidson make the program's first postseason appearance with a trip to the WNIT, hope to cap off their careers by taking the Wildcats to another postseason.
“These three seniors have a wealth of experience,” said Watts. “They are sturdy leaders and have shown the way for their younger teammates.”
Add in the pieces of junior Ashley Lax, redshirt sophomore Chloe Woodington, and the sophomore trio of Logan Hartman, Amanda Ottaway and Kristen Johnsen, along with the best recruiting class in the SoCon, sets up the 'Cats for another great season and a run in the SoCon.
“One of our real strengths this year will be our depth,” said Watts. “Everyone on this team will have an opportunity to contribute on the court; having said that, I expect a highly-competitive practice environment will carry positive results to the game environment.”
The added depth should limit the number of 40-minute games individuals will play this season and the additional height will contribute to the squads rebounding efforts. The Wildcats finished fifth in the league in rebounding at 39.8 per game, while their defense held opponents to 36.2 boards a game, good for third place.
Add the height and inside play with the 'Cats' sharp shooters, and the potential for the inside-outside game is evident.
“This team has worked very hard and they've shown they're motivated, primed and ready,“ said Watts. “They want to continue what the past players have established and continue the strong tradition of winning and succeeding here at Davidson.”
Offensively, the Wildcats will have a nice combination of speed and height to either push the tempo, or dominate on the blocks. Last season saw Davidson finish with an average of 65.4 points a contest, good for third overall in the SoCon for the second year in a row. The Wildcats also ranked third in field goal percentage (.407) and were the second-best team in the league in free throw percentage at 73.6 percent.
“Our key returners must to be willing and able to carry the load while some of our less experienced players need to develop at a rapid pace and be ready to step in and contribute quickly.”
The Wildcats return three of their five starters from a year ago, led by the backcourt duo of Thompson and Lax.
The two guards were one of the best duo in the league a year ago as they finished ranked 12th and 6th in scoring, respectively. Lax finished second on the team with her 12.9 point per game average. The junior sharp-shooter hit for double digits points 22 times last year, and showed a deadly eye from downtown that led her to a single-season school record 66 treys.
“Ashley traveled to Spain over the summer to play basketball with Athletes in Action,” said Watts. “Upon her return she chose to play daily pick-up games vs. guys. Through this intense work, her first step has become quicker and her basketball IQ is at an all time high.”
Over the last three seasons, Thompson has proven to be an impact player for the Wildcats.
“Alex has done a lot for us over the past three years and her commitment level has allowed her to become an incredibly vital part of this program.”
As one of the league's top point guards, Thompson ranked in the top-10 of the SoCon in five categories, including third in assists (3.6 apg) and fifth in three-point percentage (.428), right ahead of Lax, who hit 41.3 percent of her shots from behind the arc.
Add in the four other key letterwinners from last season's squad, and the five very talented freshmen, and the 2009-10 season has all the potential for something great.
The Backcourt
Davidson's backcourt returns after breakout seasons from both its starting point guard, Thompson, and shooting guard, Lax.
Thompson averaged a career-high in points (11.7), and showed she is capible of going off on any night as was the case on Dec. 6 at Appalachian State. The senior last year tied the school record for most points in a game with 35, while using her sharp-shooting eye to break the school and SoCon single-game mark for three-pointers, draining nine of them in a 20-point Wildcat win.
“Her leadership will be critical for us to achieve the level of success that we expect of ourselves,” said Watts. “I'm confident Alex will continue to be a leader and coach on the floor for us. She is in tremendous physical shape and her focus on having a successful senior year is evident.”
Backing up Thompson is red-shirt sophomore guard Woodington, who left Parkway High in Bossier, La. two years ago as the all-time leading scorer. Missing the past two years after pre-season injuries cut short both her first and sophomore seasons, Woodington is expected to be back to full strength when the season starts.
“Chloe adds a flair for passing and can collect points in a hurry,” said Watts. “I'm anxious to see what she can do for us when she is healthy, as she gives us an instant shooting threat and is a very smart player on the floor.”
Expected to also see significant minutes behind Thompson will be freshman Barbara Sitton, who has been impressive during preseason workouts. Sitton finished her senior prep career averaging 11.4 point and dishing out nearly six assists a contest.
“Barbara is a quick playmaker who excels defensively,” said Watts. “She is a true floor general with amazing athletic ability, and will immediately compete for playing time at the point guard spot.”
Filling out the other backcourt spot is Lax, who proved to be one of the best second-year players in the SoCon. She set career-highs in nearly every offensive and defensive category. The junior last season had five games of 20 or more points and will again provide the 'Cats with an instant offense.
“We are excited about Ashley's energy and enthusiasm regarding this season,” said Watts.
Also filling in either guard spot as well as some at the forward position will be the versatile senior Laune. She came into her own last year, recording career highs in points (5.8 ppg) and rebounding, while starting the final eight games of the season.
“Monica has played every position from power forward to point guard for us,” said Watts. “Her versatility and strength create match-up problems for our opponents. If we can keep her healthy, she will continue to produce big for us.”
Rounding out the backcourt will be sophomore Amanda Ottaway, and the fresman duo of Katrin Chiemeka and Jasmine Calin.
Ottaway saw action in 27 of the 'Cats 30 games last year, averaging close to three points in 10 minutes of action. She can also fill in on the frontcourt at small forward.
Chiemeka comes to Davidson from Marienthal, France where she was an international Player of the Year for England's U-18 team. She led the team in minutes, points and steals at the 2009 European Champsionships.
“Katrin is the quickest international player ever to wear a Wildcat women's uniform,” said Watts. “Katrin has good court vision and is working hard on the physical aspect of our game. She will contend for playing time at both guard positions.”
Calin was a Miami Herald Player of the Year in 2007 and a 1,000-point scorer for Coral Reef in Miami, Fla.
“Jasmine is a tremendous athlete with good ball handling skills and a keen eye for shagging rebounds. Her flashes of scoring prowess and relentless defense have been superb during the pre-season work.”
The Frontcourt
Anchoring the inside play for Davidson will be returning starter Julia Paquette, along with reserves Kristen Johnsen and Logan Hartman. In addition, the talented freshmen tandem of 6-3 forward Sarah Davis, and 6-4 forward Sophia Aleksandravicius will also see plenty of minutes down on the blocks and give the Wildcats a nice height advantage over its opponents.
Paquette started a career-high 22 games down low last year, tallying consistent numbers of 8.5 points to go along with close to six boards a contest. The 6-2 forward ranked sixth in the conference in field goal percentage, draining 49.1 percent of her shots.
“Julia really came on for us last year and if preseason is any indication, she is headed for her most successful collegiate season,” said Watts.
Paquette had her first two 10-rebound games a season ago, while getting her first double-double (14 pts/11 rebs) in an 83-68 win over Wofford, Dec. 30.
Johnsen and Hartman both saw a lot of action last year, playing in 30 and 29 games, respectively. The combo even started a combined three games, while Johnsen led the freshmen trio last season with averages of three points and three boards a game.
“Kristen played behind Mercedes and Mandy last year, but I believe she has developed physically and matured in the game to have a breakout season,” said Watts. She is ready to bring a different type of power and intensity to the floor.”
“As for Logan, she gives us some added strength in the post,” said Watts. “She is a solid on the boards and finishes well around the basket.“
Joining that trio is the highly touted freshmen duo of Davis and Aleksandravicius. They were part of this year's freshmen class that was ranked 100th by All Star Girls Report.
Davis had a standout four-year prep career at St. Clair in St. Clair, Mich., where she was an all-state, all-league, and all-area member.
“Sarah has the power to own the block,” said Watts. “She can rebound and we look for solid scoring from this talented freshman.”
Aleksandravicius was equally as good in her four years at School of the Holy Child in Pound Ridge, N.Y. The freshmen forward was rated as the 37th-best at her position by HoopGurlz at espn.com. She closed out her prep career averaging a double-double (23.9 ppg/ 12.5 rpg).
“Sophia is a shot blocker and scorer,” said Watts. “She is still adjusting to the speed and physical play of our game but she has shown a quick study mentality and will be a big part of our season.”
The Schedule
Trips to the state of Nebraska to open the season as well as a Thanksgiving trip to Wilmington, N.C., to play in a tournament at UNC Wilmington, are just a few highlights from the 2009-10 schedule.
In addition to those contests, the Wildcats will travel to N.C. State and William & Mary as part of its non-conference schedule, while also partaking in a 20-game Southern Conference slate.
Davidson will be tested early in the season, when it heads to the state of Nebraska to open play against Nebraska and Creighton during the weekend of Nov. 13-15. This will be the first matchup for the 'Cats against either program. Creighton reached the second round of the WNIT after compiling a 22-12 overall mark.
The Wildcats then return to the state of North Carolina, where they will travel to the capital and take on N.C. State, which is coached by former Western Carolina head coach Kelly Harper, who is in her first year. The two schools have not faced each other since 1976. The Wolfpack are coming off a 13-17 season, with a 5-9 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
Continuing its eight-game road swing to open the season, Davidson will play at William & Mary before heading to Wilmington to participate in the UNC Wilmington Thanksgiving Tournament. The 'Cats will open the tournament with a contest against Duquesne and then play either UNCW or Monmouth. All three teams are coming off winning campaigns a season ago with the Dukes recording a school-record 20 wins and reaching the WNIT.
To finish out the month of November, Davidson jumps right into SoCon action with a contest at Furman, Nov. 30. The 'Cats close out their road trip with a Dec. 5 date at Western Carolina. The Catamounts are coming off their second SoCon Tournament Title in the last five years after a 21-12 season in 2008-09.
December sees the 'Cats play three of its five games for the month at home, opening their home slate against Appalachian State and Wofford, Dec. 7 & 13, before playing a non-conference contest at Radford prior to Christmas. They will finish out the month with a game against Newberry College, Dec. 29. In the past four years, Davidson has gone 34-13 overall in the friendly confines of Belk Arena, hitting the 10-win mark twice in that stretch.
Davidson will play one more non-conference game, Longwood, after the new year, and then enter the heart of its SoCon schedule for the rest of the season. The contest against Longwood starts a three-game homestand that includes SoCon foes Samford and Chattanooga, both of whom will again be favorites in the SoCon. Samford, in its first year in the league last year, went 22-7 and 16-4 in conference games, while Chattanooga closed out at 22-10 overall and won the regular-season title with a 17-3 mark.
The Wildcats hit the road again in seven of their next nine contests through January and the first part of February. Davidson though, will have the luxury of playing on its home floor with its home crowd behind it as the Wildcats' last three contests are at Belk Arena against College of Charleston, which is the 'Cats' “Pink Zone Game,” Georgia Southern and then close out with Furman for Senior Day.
The SoCon Tournament, March 3-8, will be held this year in Charlotte, N.C.
This year is full of potential, and head coach Annette Watts, who is entering her ninth season, is excited and ready to turn that potential into solid, concrete results that will lead Davidson to what it hopes to be one of its best seasons in recent history.
Below is the season preview for the Wildcats...
The Wildcats' 2009-10 season has all the making for a great run, as the potential of this year's squad has never been greater. With a great balance of talent from top to bottom, more depth than it has had in the last three years, and the leadership of three veteran seniors, Davidson has the capablity to make this year a great one.
“Our team is hungry to win and receptive to everything our staff has been offering,” said head coach Annette Watts, who is the all-time winningest coach in program history. “This preseason has been the best in years. The team has embraced several new concepts and each player has a mental toughness that we have missed in the past.”
The potential is there. It all comes down to everyone believing it exists and to turn that potential into solid, concrete results that will lead Davidson to what it hopes to be one of its best seasons in recent history.
Last season the Wildcats finished 12-18 overall, facing top program's like Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Mississippi, Xavier, Cincinnati, St. Joseph's and cross-county rival Charlotte, and holding their own in most of the games. They had their sixth straight winning season in league games at 11-9.
Gone due to graduation are starters Mercedes Robinson and Mandy Halbersleben. Robinson, a two-time first-team All-Southern Conference pick, left her name scattered throughout the Wildcat record books, and Halbersleben was one of the hardest workers on the court during her four-year career and an unsung team leader.
“Yes, we lost Mercedes, one of the best post players in the league, and Mandy, the consummate worker, but I still believe we have some solid pieces to put together a successful season.”
The solid pieces Watts is refering to is the return of seven letterwinners, which starts with the senior class of Monica Laune, Julia Paquette and Alex Thompson. The trio, who were freshmen on the 2006-07 team that helped Davidson make the program's first postseason appearance with a trip to the WNIT, hope to cap off their careers by taking the Wildcats to another postseason.
“These three seniors have a wealth of experience,” said Watts. “They are sturdy leaders and have shown the way for their younger teammates.”
Add in the pieces of junior Ashley Lax, redshirt sophomore Chloe Woodington, and the sophomore trio of Logan Hartman, Amanda Ottaway and Kristen Johnsen, along with the best recruiting class in the SoCon, sets up the 'Cats for another great season and a run in the SoCon.
“One of our real strengths this year will be our depth,” said Watts. “Everyone on this team will have an opportunity to contribute on the court; having said that, I expect a highly-competitive practice environment will carry positive results to the game environment.”
The added depth should limit the number of 40-minute games individuals will play this season and the additional height will contribute to the squads rebounding efforts. The Wildcats finished fifth in the league in rebounding at 39.8 per game, while their defense held opponents to 36.2 boards a game, good for third place.
Add the height and inside play with the 'Cats' sharp shooters, and the potential for the inside-outside game is evident.
“This team has worked very hard and they've shown they're motivated, primed and ready,“ said Watts. “They want to continue what the past players have established and continue the strong tradition of winning and succeeding here at Davidson.”
Offensively, the Wildcats will have a nice combination of speed and height to either push the tempo, or dominate on the blocks. Last season saw Davidson finish with an average of 65.4 points a contest, good for third overall in the SoCon for the second year in a row. The Wildcats also ranked third in field goal percentage (.407) and were the second-best team in the league in free throw percentage at 73.6 percent.
“Our key returners must to be willing and able to carry the load while some of our less experienced players need to develop at a rapid pace and be ready to step in and contribute quickly.”
The Wildcats return three of their five starters from a year ago, led by the backcourt duo of Thompson and Lax.
The two guards were one of the best duo in the league a year ago as they finished ranked 12th and 6th in scoring, respectively. Lax finished second on the team with her 12.9 point per game average. The junior sharp-shooter hit for double digits points 22 times last year, and showed a deadly eye from downtown that led her to a single-season school record 66 treys.
“Ashley traveled to Spain over the summer to play basketball with Athletes in Action,” said Watts. “Upon her return she chose to play daily pick-up games vs. guys. Through this intense work, her first step has become quicker and her basketball IQ is at an all time high.”
Over the last three seasons, Thompson has proven to be an impact player for the Wildcats.
“Alex has done a lot for us over the past three years and her commitment level has allowed her to become an incredibly vital part of this program.”
As one of the league's top point guards, Thompson ranked in the top-10 of the SoCon in five categories, including third in assists (3.6 apg) and fifth in three-point percentage (.428), right ahead of Lax, who hit 41.3 percent of her shots from behind the arc.
Add in the four other key letterwinners from last season's squad, and the five very talented freshmen, and the 2009-10 season has all the potential for something great.
The Backcourt
Davidson's backcourt returns after breakout seasons from both its starting point guard, Thompson, and shooting guard, Lax.
Thompson averaged a career-high in points (11.7), and showed she is capible of going off on any night as was the case on Dec. 6 at Appalachian State. The senior last year tied the school record for most points in a game with 35, while using her sharp-shooting eye to break the school and SoCon single-game mark for three-pointers, draining nine of them in a 20-point Wildcat win.
“Her leadership will be critical for us to achieve the level of success that we expect of ourselves,” said Watts. “I'm confident Alex will continue to be a leader and coach on the floor for us. She is in tremendous physical shape and her focus on having a successful senior year is evident.”
Backing up Thompson is red-shirt sophomore guard Woodington, who left Parkway High in Bossier, La. two years ago as the all-time leading scorer. Missing the past two years after pre-season injuries cut short both her first and sophomore seasons, Woodington is expected to be back to full strength when the season starts.
“Chloe adds a flair for passing and can collect points in a hurry,” said Watts. “I'm anxious to see what she can do for us when she is healthy, as she gives us an instant shooting threat and is a very smart player on the floor.”
Expected to also see significant minutes behind Thompson will be freshman Barbara Sitton, who has been impressive during preseason workouts. Sitton finished her senior prep career averaging 11.4 point and dishing out nearly six assists a contest.
“Barbara is a quick playmaker who excels defensively,” said Watts. “She is a true floor general with amazing athletic ability, and will immediately compete for playing time at the point guard spot.”
Filling out the other backcourt spot is Lax, who proved to be one of the best second-year players in the SoCon. She set career-highs in nearly every offensive and defensive category. The junior last season had five games of 20 or more points and will again provide the 'Cats with an instant offense.
“We are excited about Ashley's energy and enthusiasm regarding this season,” said Watts.
Also filling in either guard spot as well as some at the forward position will be the versatile senior Laune. She came into her own last year, recording career highs in points (5.8 ppg) and rebounding, while starting the final eight games of the season.
“Monica has played every position from power forward to point guard for us,” said Watts. “Her versatility and strength create match-up problems for our opponents. If we can keep her healthy, she will continue to produce big for us.”
Rounding out the backcourt will be sophomore Amanda Ottaway, and the fresman duo of Katrin Chiemeka and Jasmine Calin.
Ottaway saw action in 27 of the 'Cats 30 games last year, averaging close to three points in 10 minutes of action. She can also fill in on the frontcourt at small forward.
Chiemeka comes to Davidson from Marienthal, France where she was an international Player of the Year for England's U-18 team. She led the team in minutes, points and steals at the 2009 European Champsionships.
“Katrin is the quickest international player ever to wear a Wildcat women's uniform,” said Watts. “Katrin has good court vision and is working hard on the physical aspect of our game. She will contend for playing time at both guard positions.”
Calin was a Miami Herald Player of the Year in 2007 and a 1,000-point scorer for Coral Reef in Miami, Fla.
“Jasmine is a tremendous athlete with good ball handling skills and a keen eye for shagging rebounds. Her flashes of scoring prowess and relentless defense have been superb during the pre-season work.”
The Frontcourt
Anchoring the inside play for Davidson will be returning starter Julia Paquette, along with reserves Kristen Johnsen and Logan Hartman. In addition, the talented freshmen tandem of 6-3 forward Sarah Davis, and 6-4 forward Sophia Aleksandravicius will also see plenty of minutes down on the blocks and give the Wildcats a nice height advantage over its opponents.
Paquette started a career-high 22 games down low last year, tallying consistent numbers of 8.5 points to go along with close to six boards a contest. The 6-2 forward ranked sixth in the conference in field goal percentage, draining 49.1 percent of her shots.
“Julia really came on for us last year and if preseason is any indication, she is headed for her most successful collegiate season,” said Watts.
Paquette had her first two 10-rebound games a season ago, while getting her first double-double (14 pts/11 rebs) in an 83-68 win over Wofford, Dec. 30.
Johnsen and Hartman both saw a lot of action last year, playing in 30 and 29 games, respectively. The combo even started a combined three games, while Johnsen led the freshmen trio last season with averages of three points and three boards a game.
“Kristen played behind Mercedes and Mandy last year, but I believe she has developed physically and matured in the game to have a breakout season,” said Watts. She is ready to bring a different type of power and intensity to the floor.”
“As for Logan, she gives us some added strength in the post,” said Watts. “She is a solid on the boards and finishes well around the basket.“
Joining that trio is the highly touted freshmen duo of Davis and Aleksandravicius. They were part of this year's freshmen class that was ranked 100th by All Star Girls Report.
Davis had a standout four-year prep career at St. Clair in St. Clair, Mich., where she was an all-state, all-league, and all-area member.
“Sarah has the power to own the block,” said Watts. “She can rebound and we look for solid scoring from this talented freshman.”
Aleksandravicius was equally as good in her four years at School of the Holy Child in Pound Ridge, N.Y. The freshmen forward was rated as the 37th-best at her position by HoopGurlz at espn.com. She closed out her prep career averaging a double-double (23.9 ppg/ 12.5 rpg).
“Sophia is a shot blocker and scorer,” said Watts. “She is still adjusting to the speed and physical play of our game but she has shown a quick study mentality and will be a big part of our season.”
The Schedule
Trips to the state of Nebraska to open the season as well as a Thanksgiving trip to Wilmington, N.C., to play in a tournament at UNC Wilmington, are just a few highlights from the 2009-10 schedule.
In addition to those contests, the Wildcats will travel to N.C. State and William & Mary as part of its non-conference schedule, while also partaking in a 20-game Southern Conference slate.
Davidson will be tested early in the season, when it heads to the state of Nebraska to open play against Nebraska and Creighton during the weekend of Nov. 13-15. This will be the first matchup for the 'Cats against either program. Creighton reached the second round of the WNIT after compiling a 22-12 overall mark.
The Wildcats then return to the state of North Carolina, where they will travel to the capital and take on N.C. State, which is coached by former Western Carolina head coach Kelly Harper, who is in her first year. The two schools have not faced each other since 1976. The Wolfpack are coming off a 13-17 season, with a 5-9 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
Continuing its eight-game road swing to open the season, Davidson will play at William & Mary before heading to Wilmington to participate in the UNC Wilmington Thanksgiving Tournament. The 'Cats will open the tournament with a contest against Duquesne and then play either UNCW or Monmouth. All three teams are coming off winning campaigns a season ago with the Dukes recording a school-record 20 wins and reaching the WNIT.
To finish out the month of November, Davidson jumps right into SoCon action with a contest at Furman, Nov. 30. The 'Cats close out their road trip with a Dec. 5 date at Western Carolina. The Catamounts are coming off their second SoCon Tournament Title in the last five years after a 21-12 season in 2008-09.
December sees the 'Cats play three of its five games for the month at home, opening their home slate against Appalachian State and Wofford, Dec. 7 & 13, before playing a non-conference contest at Radford prior to Christmas. They will finish out the month with a game against Newberry College, Dec. 29. In the past four years, Davidson has gone 34-13 overall in the friendly confines of Belk Arena, hitting the 10-win mark twice in that stretch.
Davidson will play one more non-conference game, Longwood, after the new year, and then enter the heart of its SoCon schedule for the rest of the season. The contest against Longwood starts a three-game homestand that includes SoCon foes Samford and Chattanooga, both of whom will again be favorites in the SoCon. Samford, in its first year in the league last year, went 22-7 and 16-4 in conference games, while Chattanooga closed out at 22-10 overall and won the regular-season title with a 17-3 mark.
The Wildcats hit the road again in seven of their next nine contests through January and the first part of February. Davidson though, will have the luxury of playing on its home floor with its home crowd behind it as the Wildcats' last three contests are at Belk Arena against College of Charleston, which is the 'Cats' “Pink Zone Game,” Georgia Southern and then close out with Furman for Senior Day.
The SoCon Tournament, March 3-8, will be held this year in Charlotte, N.C.
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