Eagles set for showdown with 10th-ranked Lincoln Memorial
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — After an inauspicious start to the 2010-11 season, the Carson-Newman men's basketball team has made a remarkable turnaround, playing its way into the mix atop the South Atlantic Conference standings.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — After an inauspicious start to the 2010-11 season, the Carson-Newman men's basketball team has made a remarkable turnaround, playing its way into the mix atop the South Atlantic Conference standings.
The Eagles entered Christmas break with a 3-7 record, including a 0-2 mark in the conference, but they returned in January with a new sense of urgency and have become one of the hottest teams in the SAC.
C-N has won five out of its last six games, including four straight, to improve to 8-8 overall and 5-3 in the conference. The Eagles are currently in a five-way tie for second in the league standings.
"Our kids are staying the course," first-year C-N head coach Chuck Benson said. "What we have been preaching now for three or four months is starting to take root. That's all it is. There is nothing that we've done different. We've just stayed focused. With a new group, it takes some time for things to sink in and make sense."
"We are trying to convince these guys that there is a way we do business, and they've got to see results. They have seen some results now, so their confidence in each other and our staff is at an all-time high."
On Wednesday, the Eagles will look to keep their momentum going against arguably the best team on their schedule. C-N is set to host 10th-ranked Lincoln Memorial University at 8 p.m. Fans are encouraged to pack Holt Fieldhouse not only to show support for the Eagles and Lady Eagles, but also to help raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Two dollars from every ticket sold for both the men's and women's games will go to the foundation as well as 100 percent of the proceeds raised in raffle giveaways.
"We are excited for the opportunity," Benson said. "We've been making progress and have stayed focused on the process and have been making gradual improvement. I'm pleased with that, but LMU is a very, very special team. They are undefeated and top 10 in the country, so it will be a great challenge. I'm just ready to see how our guys will respond to this opportunity."
The Railsplitters are off to their best start in school history as they enter Wednesday's matchup at 16-0 on the season, including an 8-0 mark in SAC play. Lincoln Memorial will showcase the top scoring offense in the conference with an average of 89.4 points per game.
Two-time All-SAC selection D'Mario Curry and forward Desmond Johnson have led the way for the Railsplitters this season. Curry averages 18.3 points per game, which ranks third in the conference, while Johnson's 15.9 points per game ranks eighth in the SAC. The duo also averages 9.9 and 8.9 rebounds per contest, respectively, which ranks first and second in the conference.
"Curry is an All-American," Benson offered. "Desmond Johnson is as solid of a low post player as there is in our league, and they have two or three kids that can shoot the three, so offensively, they are very balanced."
The Railsplitters have also dominated on the defensive end this season, allowing a league-best 64.3 points per game. Lincoln Memorial is also the top rebounding team in the conference, averaging 44.1 rebounds a night with a rebounding margin of plus-12.9.
"The thing that LMU does that probably goes unrecognized is that they are really a great defensive team and a great rebounding team," Benson said. "That's what gives them the edge most nights because they really work hard in those two areas. It makes it tough to get scores on them."
Junior guard Antonio Sullivan (Louisville, Ky.), the reigning SAC Player of the Week, has played a key role in C-N's turnaround. Sullivan, who has reached double figures in scoring in nine straight games, leads the team in scoring with an average of 13.7 points per contest. He is also one of the top 3-point threats in the conference, shooting 39.1 percent (43-of-110) from behind the arc.
C-N leads the all-time series 95-90, including a 50-37 advantage in Jefferson City. The Eagles split with the Railsplitters last season, falling 70-67 on the road and claiming a 78-75 victory at Holt Fieldhouse.
