Carrollton, GA - There will be no shortage of fireworks on Go Pink night in The Coliseum as the Shorter Hawks and West Georgia Wolves lock horns for just the seventh time in the history of the series. Both teams come into the game with two-game losing streak and both will need a victory on Thursday to enhance a chance at an NCAA bid. Tipoff for the contest is set for 7:30 p.m.
UWG vs. Shorter
Shorter was on the top end of one of the highest scoring games of the year on January 5, as the Hawks handed UWG a 109-92 loss in Rome. The loss for UWG was just the second in the history of the series and by far the highest scoring. It was a game where Deonta Stocks scored 26, but 11 players between the two teams scored in double-figures.
UWG Breakdown
The Wolves are reeling after two straight home losses, but there is no need to panic, as West Georgia is in a three-way tie for second place with two teams that they will play at home over the next two weeks. UWG leads the Gulf South Conference in scoring, averaging 86.6 points per game, and also boasts the top scorer in the GSC in Deonta Stocks, who is in line to become the next 1,000-point scorer at UWG. He currently has 922 career points, and if he gets his 22.3 average over the next four games, he would break that plateau against Valdosta State next Saturday.
Shorter Breakdown
Shorter is the second-most proficient scoring team in the Gulf South Conference, averaging 86.5 points per game on the year. The Hawks feature Dedric Ware, the No. 3 scorer in the GSC behind Stocks and Delta State's Devin Schmidt. Shorter also has the league's leading rebounder in Jordan Jacks in the paint, who averages 9.2 boards per game through the 2015 season.
Matchup to Watch
Two matchups will be paramount on Thursday night, beginning with the offenses. The two teams combined for 201 points when they met in Rome earlier this season, and whichever team can keep the other offense at bay will have a good shot in this one. The Wolves will also have to slow down 6-8 Tyler Alderman, who scored 28 against UWG in that game earlier this year.
