Friday, March 6th, 2:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: McKenzie Arena (11,218) -- Chattanooga, Tennessee. Television: None. Home Record: GA Southern 6-7, Appalachian St. 7-7. Away Record: GA Southern 1-13, Appalachian St. 5-9. Neutral Record: GA Southern 1-1, Appalachian St. 0-1. Conference Record: GA Southern 5-15, Appalachian St. 9-11. Series Record: Appalachian State leads, 18-15.

GAME NOTES: First-round action in the 2009 Southern Conference Tournament begins this afternoon when the Appalachian State Mountaineers collide with the Georgia Southern Eagles at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga. The Eagles were unable to fly straight this season, grabbing just eight wins while posting a 5-15 mark in league action. Georgia Southern dropped 11 of its last 12 matchups entering this tournament and was only able to grab the fifth seed out of the South Division as a result. As for the Mountaineers, they dropped five of their last seven games, including a 72-63 setback to Samford in the regular season finale. Appalachian State went just 9-11 in conference, earning the fourth seed out of the North Division. The winner of this matchup will move on to the quarterfinals to battle SoCon power Davidson. The Mountaineers have won six of the last seven matchups against Georgia Southern, and currently own an 18-15 lead in the all-time series.

The Eagles' poor season can be attributed to their play at the defensive end, as they are allowing an average of 78.5 ppg. The team's poor defensive display continued in its recent loss to The Citadel, as Georgia Southern allowed 74 points. The Eagles were not much better at the other end, as Georgia Southern shot just 35.2 percent from the field and made only 8-of-17 attempts from the foul line. Antonio Hanson led the way with 14 points, while Ben Drayton chipped in 11 points in the loss. Hanson has been the most consistent scoring threat on the year, as the guard is netting 11.9 ppg. Drayton adds 11.7 ppg, to go along with a team-high 73 assists. Georgia Southern is netting 70.3 ppg.

The Mountaineers have been up and down this season, but the team's play at the offensive end has been consistent, netting 75.9 ppg while shooting 45.2 percent from the floor. Kellen Brand comes into this game leading the team with 15.0 ppg, while Donald Sims contributes 13.2 ppg. Surprisingly, the last time Appalachian State was in action the team only scored 63 points in a loss to Samford. The Mountaineers shot a mediocre 42.3 percent from the floor, but made just 8-of-21 shots from long range and also committed 21 turnovers. Brand led the way with 21 points, while Josh Hunter notched a double-double consisting of 10 points and 11 boards. As for Sims, he also chipped in 10 points.

The Mountaineers have collected the majority of their wins by playing well offensively, and that plays perfectly into this matchup as the Eagles have struggled to stop foes this season.

Predicted Outcome

Appalachian State 78, Georgia Southern 68