Basketball Highlights
NEW ORLEANS – The Sun Belt Conference women’s basketball teams return to league action this week, featuring seven exciting midweek matchups.
JMU’s Impressive Streak
James Madison (21-4, 12-0) has achieved an impressive 13-game winning streak, the longest for the team since they recorded 13 consecutive victories from November 23, 2022, to January 14, 2023. This streak includes a remarkable 12 straight conference wins, making the Dukes the only team in the Sun Belt without a conference loss this season. They are set to face App State (13-10, 9-3) on Thursday in a thrilling clash between two top-five teams in the league standings.
Chants Riding a Wave
Coastal Carolina (17-6, 7-5) is on a roll, securing four consecutive wins, which includes three conference victories and a significant 73-65 triumph in the MAC-SBC Challenge against Buffalo. Savannah Brooks earned the much-anticipated Player of the Week honors for Coastal Carolina, the first since Aja Blount in week four of the 2022-23 season, after averaging 16.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game over the past week. The Chants will compete against Georgia Southern on Wednesday, who are also entering the matchup with momentum from a two-game winning streak.
Red Wolves Aim to Regroup
Arkansas State (15-5, 11-1) saw their winning streak come to an end at 11 games, following a loss to Bowling Green during the MAC-SBC Challenge. Despite this setback, the Red Wolves have been formidable in conference play, boasting an impressive 11 straight wins, with their last league loss occurring during the season opener against App State. Currently holding second place in the Sun Belt standings, the Red Wolves are eager to bounce back as they host Southern Miss (9-15, 4-8), who recently celebrated a 58-46 victory over Ohio University.
Trojans Seek a Strong Finish
After a seven-game winning streak, Troy (15-10, 9-3) has faced challenges, losing three of their last five games. The Trojans, however, are determined to finish league play with strength. Leading the Sun Belt in scoring, averaging 77.6 points per game, and excelling in rebounds with an impressive 49.8 per game average, they will host ULM (9-14, 5-7) on Wednesday night. The Trojans have enjoyed a strong home record of 8-1 this season and remain undefeated at home during league play, with Zay Dyer leading the charge as the only player in the conference averaging a double-double (12.7 points and 10.5 rebounds).
Mid-Major Poll Update
James Madison has climbed to fourth place in the Mid-Major poll following a thrilling 78-74 victory over Ball State on Saturday. The Dukes have consistently featured in the Mid-Major polls this season, achieving their highest ranking thus far. Coastal Carolina continues to receive votes, marking their fourth consecutive week in contention.
Impact Players – Statistical Leaders
PPG: Aislynn Hayes, Marshall, 16.7
RPG: Zay Dyer, Troy, 10.5
BPG: Mahogany Matthews, Georgia State, 2.9
APG: Shaulana Wagner, Troy, 6.1
SPG: Crystal Henderson, Georgia State, 2.5
Upcoming Matches
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 12
Time: 5 p.m. – Coastal Carolina at Georgia Southern (ESPN+)
Time: 5 p.m. – Texas State at Louisiana (ESPN+)
Time: 5 p.m. – Southern Miss at Arkansas State (ESPN+)
Time: 6 p.m. – ULM at Troy (ESPN+)
Date: Thursday, Feb. 13
Time: 10 a.m. – South Alabama at Georgia State (ESPN+)
Time: 4 p.m. – App State at James Madison (ESPN+)
Time: 5 p.m. – Old Dominion at Marshall (ESPN+)
