Preview: College of Charleston at William & Mary Women’s Basketball

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Interstat) — A surging College of Charleston squad visits William & Mary on Friday night in a Colonial Athletic Association women’s basketball matchup at Kaplan Arena.

The Cougars (10-3) enter on a three-game winning streak, including a dominant 85-58 conference victory over Northeastern on Sunday. Charleston’s offense has been potent, averaging 78.2 points during its current run.

William & Mary (8-5) looks to rebound after a tough 73-57 overtime loss to Stony Brook in its CAA opener on Sunday. The Tribe had won four straight prior to that defeat.

The game features a marquee backcourt matchup. Charleston is led by dynamic guard Taryn Barbot, who is averaging 21.6 points over her last five games. She exploded for 29 points, four rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes against Northeastern.

William & Mary will counter with guard Cassidy Geddes, who logged 43 minutes and scored 21 points in the overtime loss to Stony Brook. She has been a consistent contributor, averaging 11.2 points per game this season.

Charleston’s success has been built on balanced scoring. In the win over Northeastern, Tyja Beans added 23 points and Taylor Barbot dished out six assists alongside Taryn Barbot’s scoring outburst.

The Tribe will need to improve its offensive efficiency after shooting just 30.9% from the field against Stony Brook. Geddes and Natalie Fox, who had 12 points and five rebounds Sunday, will be key to providing scoring punch.

Historically, this is the first meeting between the programs since Charleston joined the CAA. The Cougars’ strong start marks their best 13-game record in recent seasons, while William & Mary seeks to protect its home court and even its conference record.

Friday’s contest tips off a critical early conference stretch for both teams.