THE OPENING TIP
Hoping to refocus and head into 2020 on a positive note, Davis & Elkins moves back into conference play with a road matchup against West Virginia State on January 8 at 7:30 PM. The Senators hit a skid to end 2019, losing each of the final four games despite some impressive individual efforts. D&E chipped away in a 73-67 road loss at Ohio Valley, while West Virginia State picked up a 104-83 home victory against Bluefield State on December 20.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
- Game 13: Davis & Elkins at West Virginia State
- When: Wednesday, January 8, 2020 (7:30 PM)
- Where: Walker Convocation Center - Institute, W. Va.
- Records: Davis & Elkins (4-8, 2-4 MEC); West Virginia State (8-3, 3-3 MEC)
- Live Video: Click Here (MEC-TV)
- Live Stats: Click Here
- Game Notes (PDF): Click Here
- Twitter Updates: @Senator_MBB
AROUND THE LEAGUE
SERIES HISTORY
- All-Time Series: West Virginia State leads 5-2 (as of 2011)
- Last Meeting: November 16, 2017 – WVSU 109, Davis & Elkins 87 | Recap | Box Score
- How It Happened: West Virginia State built an early first half lead and maintained it in a 109-87 home victory against D&E. Trevor English posted a double-double with 22 points and 16 rebounds and Donte Doleman added 19 points, including 12 from the foul line in his sophomore season.
DAVIS & ELKINS NOTES
- Doleman has posted 23 points in each of the last two games and ranks second in the MEC in scoring average (21.3 PPG) during conference play.
- Kyle Leslie posted 13 points for the second straight game on December 16, adding a career-high eight rebounds in 31 minutes. Leslie has started each of the last three games, averaging 27 minutes/game during that time.
- D&E has limited three opponents to under 40% shooting this season, including last time out against Ohio Valley. The Senators will need to bring the defensive intensity against a top-five scoring offense in the nation.
- Elliot White is 7-of-17 (41.1%) from the floor over the last three games, averaging 7.3 points and 26.3 minutes over that span.
- Myles Monroe is ninth in the MEC in rebounding (7.5/game) during conference games this season.
- Erkam Kiris has been out of the lineup following a lower body injury, but could provide a much-needed spark upon his return. Kiris is second on the team in scoring (13.3 PPG) and leads the team in rebounding (6.5 RPG).
- Mandela Baledrokadroka pulled down a career-high eight rebounds on December 16 against Ohio Valley.
- Tyler Twyman knocked down a pair of three-pointers against Ohio Valley off the bench.
- Wednesday caps a three-game road trip that extends back to December 14.
SCOUTING WEST VIRGINIA STATE
- West Virginia State is fourth nationally in scoring offense (100.5), one of five teams to average 100 points or better per game. Three of those five schools are from the MEC (West Liberty, Glenville State, WV State).
- Five players average double figures in scoring for the Yellow Jackets, led by Glen Abram's 19.0 points/game.
- WVSU has lost to a three of the top teams in the MEC standings in Glenville State (Nov. 23), Fairmont State (Dec. 7) and West Liberty (Dec. 14).
- The Yellow Jackets are 7-1 at home this season, winning each of their last three home contests.
- WVSU led for 37 minutes in a 104-83 home win against Bluefield State on December 20. Michal Seals led the Yellow Jackets in scoring again with a game-high 23 points and freshman Anthony Pittman chipped in 20 points.
- Bryan Poore is in his 21st season at West Virginia State, winning over 300 games during his tenure.
