Preview: Mercer Hosts Western Carolina in Southern Conference Women’s Basketball

MACON, Ga. (Interstat) — Mercer looks to build on a recent victory and solidify its standing in the Southern Conference when it hosts struggling Western Carolina on Saturday at Hawkins Arena.

The Bears (13-9) are coming off a 67-58 home win over UNC Greensboro on Thursday. Elena Cabello led the way with 13 points off the bench, continuing her recent uptick in production. Mercer has won two of its last three conference games.

Western Carolina (3-19) seeks to end a prolonged slump, having lost nine consecutive games. The Catamounts fell 73-50 at Samford on Thursday, despite a standout performance from Grace Pack. The sophomore recorded a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds.

Pack has emerged as a key player for Western Carolina. In her last seven games, she has averaged 11.6 points and 5.6 rebounds, including a 21-point effort at Wofford on Jan. 15.

This is the second meeting between the teams this season. Mercer won the first matchup 84-75 in Cullowhee, North Carolina, on Jan. 8.

The Bears have found more consistency this season, particularly at home where they are 8-3. Western Carolina, conversely, is 1-11 in road games and has not won since a non-conference victory over Montreat on Dec. 30.

For Mercer, maintaining defensive intensity will be crucial against a Western Carolina team averaging just 54.2 points per game during its losing streak. The Bears will also look for continued contributions from Rania Curry and Talia Kemp, who combined for 25 points in the win over UNC Greensboro.

Western Carolina will need more offensive support for Pack to challenge the Bears and snap its lengthy skid.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Mercer visits Samford on Feb. 14, while Western Carolina hosts Furman on Feb. 12.