The Sea-Hawks head to PEI this weekend looking to bounce back from a couple of tough losses at home last weekend. They currently sit at 2–4, an identical record to their opponents this weekend. The Panthers will be looking to take advantage of home court and snap a four game losing streak.
The Sea-Hawks will no doubt look to Sydney Stewart to keep up her stellar play against a struggling Panthers team. She's averaging 15.7 points per game, leading her team and good for 4th in the conference.
When asked, head coach Mark English stressed the importance of good, fundamental play:
"This is a big weekend for us. We are playing a very tough UPEI team who are only giving up 53 points a game. We need to continue to improve on last weekends offensive performances and do a better job of defending with our feet and keep teams off the free throw line. I think if we can come focused with high energy we will put ourselves in a great position to be successful."
No doubt the Sea-Hawks will have to be focused on the offensive end against a team averaging 9.7 steals per game. Look for the Sea-Hawks to keep the ball in motion, away from the sharp Panther defenders. Good ball movement and smart decision making will be key on the offensive side of the floor.
On the defensive end, the key is going to be keeping UPEI off the offensive glass. They're averaging 12.2 offensive rebounds, meaning the Sea-Hawks will have to work hard boxing-out to keep second chance opportunities to a minimum. Along with that, they'll need to keep the ball out of the paint and force UPEI to take jumpers. They're shooting 23.2% from range, second worst in the AUS.
You can watch your Sea-Hawks on AUStv.ca, 6:00 PM on Saturday, and 1:00 PM on Sunday.