Get ready for an exciting Saturday matinee as the App State Mountaineers take on the Georgia Southern Eagles! This highly anticipated basketball game promises to be a thrilling showdown.
A Tale of Two Teams: The Mountaineers' Road to Redemption
The App State women's basketball team is gearing up for their final road trip of December, and they're determined to make a statement. After a tough loss to Marshall in their Sun Belt opener, the Mountaineers are hungry for a win. Despite putting up a valiant fight with 12 ties and nine lead changes, App State fell short, 75-62. However, senior Emma Smith led the way with a season-high 19 points, showcasing her skills and determination.
Key Players to Watch
Smith, along with junior Daisia Mitchell and sophomore Jayden McBride, formed a formidable trio, accounting for 42 of App State's 62 points. These players have been consistent double-digit scorers this season, and their chemistry is a force to be reckoned with. Freshman Addie Biel also made her mark, grabbing eight rebounds and showcasing her potential.
App State's Strengths: Beyond the Arc and Rebound Margin
In their previous game, the Mountaineers displayed their prowess from the charity stripe, shooting an impressive 81%. They also sank 41% of their shots from beyond the arc, a testament to their long-range accuracy. Additionally, App State's defense shined, limiting Marshall's bench to just seven points and holding them to a mere five offensive rebounds.
Rankings and Individual Achievements
Smith and Mitchell are the team's top scorers, averaging 10.8 and 10.6 points per game, respectively. Mitchell has been on fire, netting double-figures in seven games this winter, including a career-high 21 points in a memorable victory over Norfolk State. Smith's all-around game is impressive, leading the team in assists (4.4 apg) and rebounds (5.3 rpg). She's ranked second in the league for assists per game and maintains an impressive assist/turnover ratio (2.20). Smith also ranks fifth in the Sun Belt for total assists (44) and steals per game (2.40).
App State's overall performance is impressive, ranking among the SBC's top five and the nation's top 35 in rebound margin (9.6) and 3-point percentage (36.4%). They also boast an impressive field goal percentage (45.4%), ranking second in the league and 55th in the NCAA.
A Look Back: App State vs. Georgia Southern
The last time these teams met was on February 26, 2025, in a heart-stopping game. App State narrowly lost, 57-55, in a thrilling road contest. Zada Porter and Emily Hege combined for 33 points, with Hege sinking two treys. Porter grabbed six rebounds and was a key contributor. The Mountaineers held the Eagles to just nine points in the second period, showcasing their defensive prowess.
Earlier in the 2024-25 campaign, App State defeated Georgia Southern 60-56 in Boone. Four Mountaineers scored double-figures, led by Hege with 14 points. Porter added 12 points and led the team in rebounds with eight. The Black and Gold's defense was on point, limiting the Eagles to just four treys and three fast-break points.
Georgia Southern: A Tough Opponent
Georgia Southern is no pushover, with an impressive 8-3 record this season. They opened conference play with a dominant 68-47 victory over Georgia State. The Eagles have been on a winning streak, with seven consecutive wins dating back to November 22. Their only losses came against tough opponents: Florida State, No. 5 LSU, and Missouri State.
Fifth-year senior guard McKenna Eddings and graduate student guards Destiny Garrett and Shanti Simmons are the Eagles' top scorers, averaging 14.0, 13.7, and 13.0 points per game, respectively. Garrett is a force to be reckoned with, ranking second in the league for assist/turnover ratio (2.35) and third in assists (47) and assists per game (4.3). She's also fourth in free throws (38). Simmons is a defensive powerhouse, ranking in the NCAA's top 35 for steals (33) and steals per game (3.00). She's also third in the league for free throw percentage (83.3%) and leads the Eagles in rebounds, averaging 7.0 boards per game.
Georgia Southern ranks 39th nationally and leads the Sun Belt in field goal percentage (46.0%). They also excel in assist/turnover ratio (1.06) and made free throws per game (14.27).
What's Next for App State?
After this Saturday's game, App State will host Carolina University on December 29 at 6:30 p.m. JMKC members can bring a friend aged 12 or under for free to this exciting game against the Bruins. JMKC members can show their credentials at the Southwest entrance or email proof of membership to the App State ticket office for free admission. Don't miss this opportunity to cheer on the Mountaineers!
Players to Keep an Eye On
- #12 Zada Porter: Senior Guard, 5'9"
- #34 Emily Hege: Senior Guard, 5'7"
- #30 Addie Biel: Freshman Forward, 6'2"
- #0 Emma Smith: Senior Guard, 5'7"
- #24 Daisia Mitchell: Junior Guard, 6'0"
- #2 Jayden McBride: Sophomore Guard, 5'10"
Get ready for an action-packed game as these talented players take center stage! Who will emerge victorious? Find out on Saturday!
