Friday, March 7th, 2:30 p.m. (et).

FACTS & STATS: Site: Richmond Coliseum (11,200) -- Richmond, Virginia. Television: None. Home Record: GSU 6-8, W&M 9-5. Away Record: GSU 3-12, W&M 5-10. Neutral Record: GSU 0-0, W&M 0-0. Conference Record: GSU 5-13, W&M 10-8. Series Record: William & Mary leads, 4-2.

GAME NOTES: In a rematch of last season's first-round matchup, the Georgia State Panthers tangle with the William & Mary Tribe in the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament at Richmond Coliseum. The Panthers were one of three teams to finish 5-13 in the conference, but after the tie-breaker scenario was worked out, they landed the 12th seed in this tournament. GSU is relatively new to the conference and that explains just its 2-2 mark all-time in this tourney. As for W&M, it got off to a terrific start in conference play, but it suffered defeats six of its last seven games to miss out on a first-round bye. Despite the poor finish, the fifth-seeded Tribe still notched just its second 10-win CAA campaign and earned its second highest seed ever in this tourney. The squad, though, owns by far the worst mark in the CAA Tournament, going a dismal 6-25 all-time. W&M defeated GSU during the regular season and owns a 4-2 edge in the all-time series, but the Panthers ousted the Tribe in the first round of last year's event on a buzzer-beater by Leonard Mendez. The winner of this game will earn the right to face Old Dominion in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

The Panthers have lacked consistency at the offensive end this season, as they are scoring just 61.7 ppg. The team is shooting a respectable 42.3 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from long range, but it has struggled greatly at the foul line, converting just 63.8 percent of the time. Leonard Mendez, the hero of last year's CAA Tournament win over W&M, is the only player on the team currently scoring in double figures with 16.1 ppg. He is knocking down 40.6 percent of his attempts from downtown and his 38 steals also lead the team. Trae Goldston is also hitting 40.6 percent of his shots from three-point range and he chips in with 9.3 rpg, while Rashad Chase averages a team-high 7.7 rpg.

William & Mary is one of the better defensive teams in the CAA, holding foes to 63.2 ppg on 41.7 percent shooting from the field. Unfortunately, the focus on defense has hindered the offense, as the Tribe is netting an even lower 62.9 ppg. David Schneider has clearly been the squad's most productive player and he is one of the few players around to lead his team in scoring (10.9 ppg), rebounding (4.8 rpg), assists (3.7 apg) and steals (52). Laimis Kisielius nips at his heels with 10.5 ppg and he is dishing out 2.4 apg. Nathan Mann adds 10.0 ppg and 2.1 apg to the mix, but like Schneider and Kisielius, he is shooting under 37.5 percent from the field.

The Tribe has clearly had the more successful season, but its struggles down the stretch give GSU hope today. In fact, if the Panthers can get out to a fast start they should be able to spring the upset.

Predicted Outcome

Georgia State 55, William & Mary 54