No. 2 Bearcats open PBC Tournament against Georgia Southwestern

GREENWOOD – The No. 2-ranked and top-seeded Lander women's basketball team begins its quest for a sixth Peach Belt Conference Tournament championship on Wednesday night, as the Bearcats host fourth-seeded Georgia Southwestern in the semifinals of the PBC Tournament at 5:30 p.m. in Finis Horne Arena.

QUICK HITTERS

Where to Watch: PBC Sports Network

Live stats: LanderBearcats.com

First Met: Jan. 27, 2007 (89-68 Lander)

Last Met: Jan. 6, 2021 (57-50 Lander)

Lander Record: 16-0, 14-0 PBC

Georgia Southwestern Record: 9-5, 7-4 PBC

Last Five Against Georgia Southwestern: 5-0

STORYLINES

Lander is participating in its 26th Peach Belt Conference tournament in the event's 30 years of existence. The Bearcats are 30-20 all-time in the PBC tournament. Lander is searching for its sixth tournament championship in program history (1999, '08, '09, '16, '20).
The Bearcats completed the first undefeated regular season in program history with a 76-66 win at UNC Pembroke last Wednesday.
Lander is meeting Georgia Southwestern in the PBC Tournament for the second time. The Bearcats defeated the Hurricanes 74-66 in the quarterfinals of the 2012 PBC Tournament.
The Bearcats are currently No. 2 in the WBCA Coaches Poll and No. 3 in the D2SIDA Poll.
Lander enters the postseason having won 19 consecutive games, the longest winning streak for the Bearcats since a 23-game streak to begin the 2010-11 season.
The Bearcats lead the PBC in points allowed per game (55.7), scoring margin (19.9), field-goal percentage defense (.355), rebounds per game (43.8), defensive rebounds per game (29.9), and rebounding margin (6.6).
The Hurricanes are second in the conference in field-goal percentage defense, rebounds per game, defensive rebounds per game, and steals per game.
Lander has won at least one game in its last five Peach Belt Conference Tournament appearances.
The Bearcats are looking to clinch their second straight berth in the PBC Tournament championship game.
Lander has been to nine PBC Tournament championship games in program history.
Lander ranks eighth nationally in scoring margin.
The Bearcats have notched at least 12 assists in 13 consecutive games.
Lander has not allowed an opponent to shoot better than 45.8 percent from the field this season.
This year's PBC Tournament marks the eighth time that Lander has earned a No. 1 seed in the tournament.
Lander has advanced to the PBC Tournament title game four times in its previous seven trips as a No. 1 seed, winning the event twice.
Makaila Cange leads the PBC in rebounds per game (13.4), field-goal percentage (.654), and double-doubles (12).
Zamiya Passmore leads the PBC in points per game (19.9), assists per game (6.1), free throws made (91), and free throws attempted (128).
Miriam Recarte leads the PBC in blocks (46).
Sarah Crews leads the PBC in minutes played (521:39).
The Bearcats and Hurricanes met in Americus, Ga., on Jan. 6, with Lander earning a 57-50 victory.
Wednesday marks the 21st meeting between Lander and Georgia Southwestern. The Bearcats lead the series 19-1.
Lander is one of just six unbeaten teams left in the nation and one of only three that has played at least 10 games.