Storylines – vs Charleston
Entering the final two games of the regular season, Adam Collins' team controls its own destiny in regards to qualifying for the league tournament. The Golden Eagles can clinch a tournament berth with a win and West Virginia Wesleyan loss Wednesday. Charleston can also advance to the conference tournament by winning its final two games, the team wraps up regular season play against West Virginia State Saturday. Collins' club enters Thursday having lost back-to-back games and six of its last eight. Earlier this season, Charleston claimed a 54-41 win over UVa-Wise at the Prior Center. In the win, the Golden Eagles limited the Cavaliers to 23.1 percent shooting, including a 1-for-12 shooting from beyond the arc. On the season, Charleston is led by Octavia Toll who is averaging 12.3 points per game on 43.1 percent shooting. Second chance points could be key in the contest, the Golden Eagles win the battle of the boards by an average of 7.7 rebounds per game.
About UVa-Wise
It's do-or-die time for the 2017-18 women's basketball season at UVa-Wise. The Cavaliers must win each of their last two games while having Charleston lose each of its final two games and West Virginia Wesleyan lose at least one game to forge a tie for the final tournament berth. At that point,
Elise Clyburn's team must hope it can win a two or three-way tiebreaker which is based on record against the top finishing teams in the conference. At this point, it appears UVa-Wise should become Wheeling Jesuit fans. The Cavaliers are the only team in the mix for the final tournament berth that swept the Cardinals this season. Clyburn's team has been playing better down the stretch. UVa-Wise has won two of its last three games and three of its last five entering the home stretch. Sophomore Cynita Webb has been the driving force behind the team's turnaround. The forward is nearly averaging a double-double on the season with 11.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. A win would guarantee UVa-Wise a meaningful game in the season finale at Concord Saturday, a loss ends any chance of advancing to postseason play.
