From "Above The Rim"

Davidson shows signs of improvement

Davidson won't have much of a break after its 92-67 win against Georgia Southern - Davidson hosts Western Carolina on Saturday - but the Wildcats might not want it. Davidson had a lot of encouraging signs in its win against Georgia Southern.

Forward Max Paulhus Gosselin appears recovered from a sore back, and he might be ready to help Davidson's outside shooting. Gosselin has only made 2-of-21 3-pointers this season, but his shot had a lot more lift Thursday night - instead of the flat trajectory it has had all season.

While Gosselin might shoot more, Davidson's inside players might not. Thomas Sander and Boris Meno had made 5-of-33 attempts before the game, but only took one Thursday, passing up 3-pointers to later get the ball inside. Davidson also played much better on offense. The Wildcats had 16 turnovers, but 10 of those came in the second half after the game had been decided. Point guard Jason Richards led the way, with one turnover and 11 assists.

Those trends could create a winning stretch for Davidson. The Wildcats will be favored to win at least their next eight games, and might not be an underdog until the ESPN Bracketbuster game in February.

--Kevin Cary