Just two weeks remain in the basketball regular season and that means teams, and fans, are keeping their eyes on the SLIAC standings. This week's SLIAC Game of the Week is between two teams, Greenville University and Blackburn College, that are battling for the final spot in the six-team conference tournament. Greenville currently has a one-game edge over Blackburn in the standings but Blackburn holds the tie-breaker by winning the first game of the season series. Greenville hosts Westminster on Wednesday night while Blackburn faces Fontbonne before the two teams meet on Saturday in Greenville, Illinois.
Overall Record: 7-14
SLIAC Record: 3-7
SLIAC Standings: 7th
The two-time defending SLIAC Champion, Blackburn has hit a skid recently; dropping their last two games and three of their last four. The Beavers' scoring remains strong, averaging 75.0 points per game and they are the 2nd best shooting team in the league. However, they have struggled in rebounding where they rank last in the league in rebounds per game and next to last in rebound margin.
Chanz Aldridge paces the offensive attack for Blackburn, putting up 21.7 points per game. The senior leads the SLIAC in scoring and has knocked down a league-high 71 three-point field goals. Troy Cole Jr. is averaging 13.3 points per game while connecting on 38 percent of his three-point attempts. Izayah Talmadge is the inside man for the Beavers and is averaging 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
Overall Record: 5-16
SLIAC Record: 4-6
SLIAC Standings: 6th
Greenville had a three-game winning streak snapped last weekend. The Panthers are averaging 102.5 points per game this season, hitting 15.4 threes per game at a .326 clip. They rank last in rebound margin but lead the league with 11.8 steals per game.
The Panthers have four players averaging in double figures in scoring. Keishun Thomas leads the team at 16.3 points per game with 70 threes. Jarred Johnson is putting up 15.3 points per game and leads the team with 59 assists and 41 steals. Darius Scott and Carlos Crespo are both at 10.3 points per game.
The Series: Greenville holds a 37-18 lead in the all-time series against Blackburn with the Beavers winning earlier this season 100-92 back on January 21st in Carlinville, Illinois. Troy Cole Jr. led Blackburn with 22 points in the win as they limited their turnovers to just 16. Greenville was led by Jarred Johnson's 19 points with the Panthers knocking down just 14 of its 46 three-point attempts.