Sunday, January 03, 2010

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Jan. 3, 2010) - After wrapping up non-conference play with back-to-back road losses to top-20 programs, the ETSU women's basketball team will now focus its attention to Atlantic Sun action for the remaining 18 regular season contests, beginning Monday evening at USC Upstate. Tip is set for 4:30 p.m. inside G.B. Hodge Center.

The Lady Bucs dropped a 96-83 decision to 16th ranked Vanderbilt on Monday night in Nashville, before closing out 2009 with a 104-65 setback to the seventh ranked North Carolina Tar Heels on Thursday.

Senior TaRonda Wiles (Danville, Va.) scored 16 of her game high 22 points in the second half against UNC. Wiles also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out a career high seven assists against the Tar Heels. Meanwhile, fellow senior Siarre Evans (Griffin, Ga.), kept her double-double streak intact as she posted her eighth straight in Chapel Hill. Evans finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds on New Year's Eve.

ETSU (4-6, 2-0), who is 4-0 all-time against USC Upstate, will be tested on Monday as the Spartans rank second behind the Lady Bucs in scoring offense (71.6). The Lady Bucs have struggled on defense in non-conference play, as ETSU ranks last amongst conference foes - allowing 81.7 points per game. However, after three conference games, the Spartans are averaging 63.0 points; while that's the same number ETSU's defense is surrendering following wins over UNF and Jacksonville last month.

USC Upstate (6-6, 0-3) is coming off a heartbreaking 75-72 loss against Campbell on Saturday afternoon in Spartanburg. Lesley Daniel missed a pair of go-ahead free throws with seven seconds remaining, and Campbell Tonisha Baker's fast-break lay-up with a second remaining capped off the victory for the Camels.

The Spartans are led by senior forward Chelsea McMillan. McMillan, who is a preseason all-conference selection, is averaging a team best 13.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. McMillan still managed to post a double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds) in the three-point loss versus Campbell, despite fouling out in 22 minutes of work.    

Fans unable to make the trip to Spartanburg can view all the action online via ASun.TV. In addition, live stats will also be available courtesy of USC Upstate athletics. To access both sites, click on the links above.

For more information on Lady Buccaneer hoops, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.