Storylines – vs MHU
Mars Hill brings the nation's leading scorer and rebounder to the Prior Center Wednesday. Guard De'Ja Marshall is averaging 29 points per game on 54.5 percent shooting. The 5-foot-7 senior has scored at least 24 points in each of the first three games while cracking 30 points twice.   While known for her scoring, she can also rebound the basketball. Marshall leads the nation with 17 rebounds per game and has tallied a double-double in every game she has played this season. While Marshall has been filling up the stat sheet, her team has had some difficulty with turnovers. The Lions are averaging 26.3 turnovers per game, ranking last in the league and 127th nationally in the category. UVA Wise is averaging 16.3 turnovers per game and is forcing 14.7 turnovers a contest. The turnovers have allowed teams to average 83.3 points per game against Mars Hill; the Lions have yet to allow less than 78 points in a game. Another key to the game could be the foul line, Mars Hill is averaging 29.3 free throw attempts per game which has led to the Lions making (63) nearly as many foul shots as their opponents have attempted (68).
About UVA Wise
UVA Wise will play its first game since Dec. 2 Wednesday when Mars Hill visits the Prior Center. Through three games, UVA Wise has been the league's leading offense, averaging 82.7 points per game. Seven Cavaliers are averaging at least eight points per game, led by redshirt junior Meg Crawford who is tallying 16 points per game. A big reason for the early season success has been the team's willingness to share the ball. Jamie Cluesman's team ranks fifth nationally in assists at 18.3 per game. During the team's current two-game winning streak, UVA Wise has dished out a combined 42 assists. The Cavs have also played well on defense, holding opponents to 36.2 percent shooting; however, teams are posting 80.7 points per game by getting on the glass. Thus far, opponents are averaging 21.3 offensive rebounds per game against UVA Wise. Overall the Cavs are losing the battle of the boards by an average of 10.7 rebounds per game. Last year, UVA Wise swept Mars Hill behind the play of then freshman guard Caitlyn Ross. In two games, the guard averaged 15 points and 3.5 assists while averaging just 20 minutes due to foul trouble. Fellow backcourt mate Nia Vanzant also had a strong showing against the Lions when the two teams faced off in Wise. Vanzant erupted for 22 points off the bench in an 87-64 triumph.