Base Rich and I have been working hard today so as to be able to watch tonight’s very important early-season game against College of Charleston (CoC).  Some quick thoughts to ponder as tip-off approaches:

• Davidson has lost three of its last four games to CoC, a couple of which were real soul-crushers (home game called by Dick Vitale in 2009; Socon Tournament loss in 2009).  Davidson did, however, get the best of the Cougars in their most recent meeting.
• CoC notably beat UNC last season, and lost by only 6 points to the Tar Heels a few days ago.  CoC also fell to Maryland earlier this season by a single point.
• CoC and Davidson have both lost to URI this season, by similar margins.  
• According to Coach McKillop’s post-game interview after the loss to Monmouth, freshman standout De’Mon Brooks should be back for tonight’s game after missing the last few with a concussion.  
• Andrew Goudelock is already playing like the conference player of the year that many expected (24 ppg).  It will be interesting to see how Davidson works to defend him.

Davidson’s success this season will hinge on its ability to compete with and ultimately defeat Socon contenders such as CoC.  A win tonight would be a significant first step for this team’s hopeful return to conference domination.

We’ll be watching (assuming CoC’s internet stream remains functional).

4th Watts