Eagles Open South Atlantic Conference Play at Catawba on Saturday
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — The Carson-Newman College men’s basketball team will open its South Atlantic Conference schedule Saturday, but first-year coach Chuck Benson has other issues on his mind.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — The Carson-Newman College men's basketball team will open its South Atlantic Conference schedule Saturday, but first-year coach Chuck Benson has other issues on his mind.
"We're not even focused on our opponents right now," Benson said. "We're focused on ourselves. We're just trying to find ways to improve. Our guys right now can't handle the pressure. We're very young minded. Anywhere we play, it's going to be a major challenge."
The 2-4 Eagles travel to Catawba, S.C. to take on the 2-3 Indians in the SAC opener for both teams. Carson-Newman enters the game coming off an exciting 87-85 overtime win over Maryville College. It was the first time the Eagles have beaten the Scots in four years.
Besides the win, the Eagles got some positive play from senior center Brandon Evans (Salem, Va.). It was the first action for Evans all season after suffering an ankle injury. Though Evans didn't contribute any points, he grabbed eight rebounds and blocked six shots.
"His (Evans') first practice was Monday," Benson said. "He impacted the game exactly where I challenged him, on the boards, blocking shots and contesting shots. Brandon can give us some depth inside and we need it."
The Maryville game also marked the return of junior forward Kevin Hare (Lexington, S.C.). Hare was instrumental in the win, knocking down the tying jumper and free throw that sent the game into overtime.
"Going down the stretch (Wednesday night) he was key to us winning the game," Benson said. "He gave us some toughness and grit we had been lacking."
Junior college transfer John Holleman (Petersburg, Va.) has solidified his spot as the primary scoring threat for the Eagles. Holleman is averaging nearly 17 points per game and recorded a double-double against Maryville with 12 rebounds and 25 points. Still, according to Benson, Holleman has some work to do.
"John can score and rebound," Benson said. "His overall basketball sense isn't there yet. Maybe he and Brandon can feed off each other."
Catawba's primary danger comes from outside, with three guards leading the team in scoring. Dominick Reid averages 17 points per game. Keon Moore is good for 13.6 and Justin Huntley scores 12 a game.
Matched up against the Indians' guards will be breakout junior guard Antonio Sullivan (Louisville, Ky.) and freshman Kevin Leatherwood (Charlottesville, Va.). Each man is coming off his best game of the season, with Sullivan scoring 16 points including the game winner in overtime.
"For whatever reason, he (Sullivan) was relaxed and confident in the exhibition games," Benson said. "He hasn't been playing like that in our exhibition games. We had a long talk about him just playing and having fun with this thing."
The Eagles continue SAC play Monday, Dec. 6 when they host Wingate at Holt Fieldhouse. They then travel to Lees-McRae on Dec. 11, before returning home on Dec. 15 to face Bluefield College.
