D2SS: The Weekend

Editor's Note: A new feature debuts on D-II South Sports, effective today, titled, D2SS: The Weekend. Each weekend, D2SS will shine the spotlight on what happened the previous weekend, as well as looking forward to the weekend ahead, in basketball, baseball, and softball. So, without further ado, let's get started.



Montevallo splits PBC debut: Both University of Montevallo basketball teams split their Peach Belt Conference debuts to start the new calendar year. On January 2, the Falcons remained unbeaten with a 74-58 rout of Lander in their first-ever PBC men's game. With the win, Montevallo (11-0, 1-0) also gained at least a share of first place in the West Division after just one league contest.



The Lady Falcons weren't so fortunate in their inaugural PBC contest, though, as they lost to Lander in a heartbreaker, 60-58. UM (7-4, 0-1) hopes to notch their first-ever conference win at Georgia Southwestern on Saturday, January 9.

Lander women down Francis Marion: In a battle of nationally-ranked teams in Greenwood, South Carolina, the No. 20(WBCA) Lander University Lady Bearcats seized early control of the Peach Belt Conference East Division with a 91-86 win over Francis Marion. Lander (11-1, 4-0) now has sole possession of first place in the PBC East with the win, while FMU (10-2, 2-1) fell one game behind the Lady Bearcats in the loss column with the setback.


UWF sweeps UWA: West Florida swept West Alabama in the Gulf South Conference East Division opener for both schools Thursday night. While the Lady Argonauts (10-5, 1-0 GSC) had a relatively easy time in defeating the Lady Tigers 72-59 in the women's contest, the UWF men (7-6, 1-0) needed to hold off a late rally by the Tigers (8-8, 0-1) to win 75-73. The UWA men have now lost four straight games.



FVSU gets a sweep: The Fort Valley State University hoops squads got a sweep as well earlier this week. On Tuesday, January 5, the FVSU women improved to 10-0 with a 68-54 home victory over Kentucky State, while the men held off the Thorobreds, 73-70.



The big games

Note: All times are local to host team.

Women

West Georgia (6-9) at North Alabama (6-9)--Saturday 1 p.m. CST: These two longtime GSC East rivals open conference play against each other in Florence, Alabama.

Henderson State (9-6) at Harding (7-5)--Saturday 5:30 p.m. CST: The Lady Bisons play host to the Lady Reddies in the Gulf South Conference West Division opener for both squads.

Montevallo (7-4, 0-1) at Georgia Southwestern (6-5)--Saturday 1:30 p.m. EST: The Lady Falcons will try for their first-ever Peach Belt Conference win, while the Lady Hurricanes look to start in 2-0 in PBC action for the first time in program history.

Men

Francis Marion (11-1, 3-0) at Augusta State (12-0, 4-0)--Saturday 7:30 p.m. EST: The No. 3 (NABC) Jaguars put their undefeated record on the line against the Patriots, whose only loss came against NCAA Division III Newport News Apprentice.

Georgia College & State University (8-2, 1-0) at Clayton State (8-4, 1-1)--Saturday 7:30 p.m. EST: The Bobcats try to go 2-0 in the PBC West against the Lakers on the road.

Valdosta State (12-2) at North Alabama (7-6)--Sunday 3 p.m. CST: The 12th-ranked Blazers open GSC East play against the Lions in a game that was moved from Thursday because of severe wintry weather conditions.