BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State University women's basketball (5-6) begins Sun Belt play in the Lone Star State on Thursday against Preseason Sun Belt Favorites, UT Arlington (7-3). Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. (ET) at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
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@AppStateWBB at @UTAMavs | Thursday, December 29th | 8 p.m. (ET) | Arlington, Texas | CPC
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About the Mountaineers
Last Time Out
The Apps ended the non-conference slate of their schedule on a high note with a 81-51 rout against the Big South favorites, UNC Asheville. The Apps scored a season high in points while holding UNCA to season low in field goal percentage (27.3) and tied a season low in points. Q Murray scored a career-high 22 points with five assists. The bench also played a pivotal role in the win with a season-high 27 points, which was highlighted by a career-high 11 points and seven boards from Amber Driver.
Playing Facilitator
Madi Story has been all over the court for the Apps, as she leads the team in rebounds (5.8), assists (2.1) and steals (1.9). The junior guard is the lone player in the Sun Belt to lead her team in all three categories. Story is also second on the team in scoring at 12.3 points per game.
What to Watch for
• Opponents have outscored UT Arlington by 10 points in the first quarter this season, which is the lone frame foes have had an edge in against the Mavs. Appalachian has been getting off to better starts over the past two games, outscoring its opponents by six points (37-31) in the first quarter. See if App State can take advantage of the Mavericks' slow starts.
• In the last seven road conference games dating back to last season, Joi Jones is averaging 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and three assists per game while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 77.1 percent from the line. Jones also recorded her first-career double-double against the Mavs with 17 points and a career-high 11 boards. Anticipate on Jones stepping up in the conference opener.
• In UTA's three losses, it has averaged 21.3 turnovers compared to just 16.1 in the seven wins. See if an App State team that is forcing 18.5 turnovers per game can turn up the notch on defense.
• See if the Apps can prevent the Mavericks from getting to the line as UTA averages 24 free throws per game in its wins and just 14 in the setbacks.
• Over the past three games, the Apps have assisted on nearly 60 percent of their field goals. See if the Mountaineers continue to be patient and move the ball on offense for open attempts.
Scouting UTA (7-3 | Sun Belt | HC:Krista Gerlich)
• The Mavericks are off to a 7-3 start entering Sun Belt play on Thursday.
• UTA is coming off a 79-60 setback to Texas Tech in its non-conference finale, allowing a season high in points and field goal percentage (55.3).
• UTA was picked to win the Sun Belt while Rebekah VanDijk received Preseason Sun Belt Player of the Year honors.
• UTA boasts a 4-1 mark at the College Park Center with its lone setback coming against Stephen F. Austin.
• The Mavericks boast three of the top 22 scorers in the league with VanDijk (2nd-16.7), Christina Devers (10th-12.6) and Cierra Johnson (22nd-10.3).
• VanDijk also leads the team in rebounding and ranks third in the league at an 8.3 rebounding clip.
• UTA is third in the conference in scoring (69.3 ppg) and third in points allowed at 59.6 ppg.
• Also, UTA is second in field goal percentage (41.2), first in 3-point field goal percentage defense (30.4) and first in steals (11.3).
• The Mavericks' pace at 70.5 is the fifth highest in the Sun Belt according to natstat.com.
Series History
• UTA is one of two teams in the Sun Belt the Apps have yet to beat.
• Three of the four matchups have been decided by 10 points or less.
• Jones recorded her first double-double with 17 points and a career-high 11 boards against UTA on the road last season.
• App State held the lead going into the fourth quarter in the most recent out but faltered late in the game to the Mavs.
Up Next
App State will conclude the weekend with a New Year's Eve matchup against Texas State at 3 p.m. (ET) in San Marcos.
