Charlotte Observer notes about the game

APPALACHIAN STATE (13-5, 5-2)at DAVIDSON (16-3, 7-0)
2 p.m., Belk Arena

WHO'S HOT
BORIS MENO (DAVIDSON): Averaging 19 points, 11 rebounds in past two games.
DONTE MINTER (APPALACHIAN STATE): West Rowan graduate has made 16 of 21 shots in past two games.

WHO'S NOT
THOMAS SANDER (DAVIDSON): Foul trouble has contributed to his averaging fewer than nine points in his past two games.
NATHAN CRANFORD (APPALACHIAN STATE) Central Cabarrus graduate is 4-of-18 in his past three games.

MATCHUPS
APPALACHIAN STATE'S HOUSTON FANCHER VS. DAVIDSON'S BOB MCKILLOP: McKillop won last season's game, a 33-point rout at Appalachian State. Fancher's team has played well away from home this season, beating Virginia, Vanderbilt and Virginia Commonwealth.
D.J. THOMPSON VS. STEPHEN CURRY: Curry is the leading contender for conference freshman of the year but is prone to fouls. Thompson can drive to the basket or make outside shots.

OBSERVATIONS
• Davidson has won 30 of its past 31 games at Belk Arena.

• Don't expect a lot of zone defense from Davidson. The Wildcats prefer man-to-man, and Cranford (10 3-pointers against Chattanooga) can bust zones when he is hot.

• The first half could be key. Appalachian State is playing its fourth game in eight days and has lost two of the first three. The Mountaineers can't afford to fall behind early and get the Davidson crowd going.