PULASKI, Tenn. – After a record-setting victory at home against Fisk (Tenn.) University Monday, Martin Methodist returns to TranSouth action Thursday, hosting No. 13 Bethel (Tenn.) University for the first time this season.
After scoring a team-high 13 3-pointers in Monday's win, the RedHawks (11-12, 1-1 TranSouth) appear to be playing some of their best basketball of the season. The RedHawks picked up their second consecutive victory Monday and will look to match their longest winning streak of the season against the Lady Wildcats.
The RedHawks enter Thursday's game as one of the top-ranked offenses in the NAIA, ranking 12th in scoring per game (74.5). In addition to finding the basket, the RedHawks have also been a force on the boards this season, ranking first in the NAIA in total rebounds per game (47.3) and offensive boards per contest (20.8).
Jessy Christopher, who dished out five assists in Monday's win, became the school's first-ever player with 1,000 points and 500 career assists. The senior is also the team's leading scorer this season, averaging 13.0 points per game.
Reigning TranSouth Player of the Week Becca Smithson also had a historical performance in the win over Fisk, draining a school record seven 3-pointers. Smithson currently ranks fifth in the NAIA in total 3-pointers made this season (58).
Defensively, Keri O'Neal enters the game after one of her best performances of the year, recording four out of the five RedHawks blocks in Monday's win. The senior also leads the team in steals (1.8) and blocks (1.6) per game.
Kyra Knight has also been a factor defensively for the RedHawks, finishing just one rebound shay of her six double-double of her season Monday night.
The RedHawks will need to look out for 5-foot-8 guard Alisha Gentry who leads the Lady Wildcats (16-5, 1-1) offensively, scoring 13.7 points per game. The sophomore has scored in double figures in all but five games this season.
Lady Wildcats junior forward Perica Glenn has also been an offensive factor this season, scoring a career-high 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the Lady Wildcats 83-71 win over Blue Mountain (Miss.) College.
The teams split their two regular-season meetings a year ago, with both teams claiming victories on their home court. After dropping 11 straight meetings, the RedHawks hung on for a hard-fought 77-74 win in Pulaski last season. The Lady Wildcats defended their home court with 83-61 win in their return match up.
Thursday's matchup is important for both the RedHawks and Lady Wildcats, with both squads looking to potentially move into sole possession of second place in the TranSouth.
Tipoff in Thursday's game is schedule for 6 p.m. in the Curry Christian Life Center. Live video of Thursday's game can be seen locally on PES Channel 97 and MMCTV.
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