Preview: West Georgia at Florida Gulf Coast

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Interstat) — Two ASUN Conference men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when the West Georgia Wolves visit the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles.

The matchup at Alico Arena pits teams with contrasting recent trajectories. West Georgia (9-8, 2-2 ASUN) has won three of its last five, while Florida Gulf Coast (7-11, 1-3) has dropped four of its last five, including an 85-74 home loss to Queens (N.C.) on Thursday.

The Wolves are led by high-scoring guard Shelton Williams-Dryden, who is averaging 27.3 points over his last four games. He poured in 31 points in a 95-86 loss at Stetson on Thursday, following a 27-point performance in a win at North Florida on Jan. 8. His offensive output will be central to West Georgia’s chances.

Florida Gulf Coast will counter with forward JR Konieczny, who has been a consistent performer. He is coming off a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double in a loss to Lipscomb on Jan. 10 and has scored 20 or more points in three of his last five full contests.

Both teams have struggled defensively in conference play. The Wolves allowed 95 points in their loss at Stetson, while the Eagles have conceded an average of 82.3 points in their three ASUN defeats.

West Georgia holds the better overall record, but has faced challenges on the road, including a 103-74 loss at Georgia in non-conference play. Florida Gulf Coast aims to protect its home court, where it is 5-5 this season.

Historically, this is a developing conference rivalry as West Georgia continues its transition to Division I. The game represents an opportunity for both squads to climb the ASUN standings ahead of the second half of the league schedule.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon.