Friday, January 15, 2010

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Jan. 15, 2010) - Two years ago the ETSU women's basketball team captured both the Atlantic Sun Conference regular season and tournament titles. However, a year later, the tournament title was still in the hands of the Lady Bucs, but Florida Gulf Coast came in and captured the regular season crown. On Saturday afternoon the Lady Bucs look to get some revenge and snap the Eagles' 22-game conference win streak when the two A-Sun favorites collide inside the ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center at 1:30 pm.

ETSU (7-7, 5-1 in A-Sun) currently sits a game and a half back from FGCU in the conference standings, but only a game back in the loss column. The Lady Bucs were the last team to defeat the Eagles in conference action with their 75-67 victory inside Alico Arena last Jan. 8 in Fort Myers, but now FGCU hasn't lost an A-Sun game and stands 12-3, 7-0 this season. The Eagles' three losses came to New Mexico, Georgia Tech and Michigan State.

The Lady Bucs are riding a three-game win streak for the first time all season after posting a 78-59 win over Stetson on Thursday night. Three ETSU players scored in double figures, with senior TaRonda Wiles (Danville, Va.) leading the charge with a game-high 19 points. In addition to Wiles, the Lady Buccaneer post players came through with strong efforts. Sophomore Gwen Washington (Manassas, Va.) finished with 13 points and eight rebounds; while freshmen Ashley Benedict (Rome, Ohio) and Tosha Austin (Chattanooga, Tenn.) accounted for 22 rebounds (11 apiece). Benedict also ended with a career high nine points, while Austin tallied five.

ETSU is putting up astonishing numbers during its three-game winning streak, as the Lady Bucs are averaging 83.0 points and allowing the opposition to 59.3 (+23.7 scoring margin). The Lady Bucs are shooting 50.8 percent from beyond the arc (30-59); while Siarre Evans (Griffin, Ga.) is one of four players scoring in double figures (16.3 points/10.7 rebounds). ETSU has been dominating on the glass, as the Lady Bucs are out-rebounding their foes - 50.0 to 36.0 (+14.0).  

Meanwhile, Florida Gulf Coast enters Saturday's game on an eight-game winning streak, following its 64-59 victory at Campbell on Thursday night. Senior first team all-conference selection Adrianne McNally led the way with 22 points, as the Eagles assisted on 19 of their 26 made field goals.

As a team, Florida Gulf Coast ranks first in scoring defense (57.4) and third in offense (68.9). In addition, the Eagles love to shoot the three, as FGCU is averaging 28 attempts per game. However, the Eagles are hitting a league best 10.2 per contest with Shannon Murphy hitting 2.3 treys per game.

Fans attending the Mini Dome on Saturday can enter the gates for $1 if they bring an old pair of eye glasses to donate to the Lion's Club. In addition, free food will be open for the first 200 people who enter the doors; while inflatables and a special celebration will take place for Bucky's Birthday Bash. Children who make a special birthday card for Bucky will be entered to win special prizes throughout the game. Please drop the cards off at the merchandise booth to be eligible to win the prizes. Also, in between the doubleheader a special celebration will take place with Junior BucWild sponsors - Papa Johns and Ritas.

Fans unable to attend the game on Saturday can catch all the action online courtesy of ASun.TV. To access ASun.TV and live stats, please click on the links above.

For more information on Lady Buccaneer basketball, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.