Kevin Cary's "Observations" from the GSU game

Ga. Southern-Davidson Observations
KEVIN CARY

• Davidson switched its starting lineup Thursday, putting in junior forward Andrew Lovedale instead of senior Boris Meno. Meno had started every game in the past two seasons, but Davidson jumped out to an 11-0 lead with Lovedale on the floor.

• Georgia Southern seemed like a Southern Conference contender before the game, but after missing 11 of its first 12 shots, the Eagles had a percentage lower than a fading presidential candidate.

• Davidson forward Max Paulhus Gosselin had struggled with a sore back for a month, but he had renewed vigor.

Paulhus Gosselin scored seven points in the first half, and his defensive pressure helped create 11 Georgia Southern turnovers.

• Davidson's offense had precision, something the Wildcats have lacked in recent games. Ball movement helped build that -- Davidson had assists on 12 of its 17 first-half field goals.

• Davidson forward Thomas Sander wasn't a factor in the Wildcats' last game -- a 66-65 loss to N.C. State two weeks ago -- but he was a key player Thursday. Sander scored 13 points in the first half and helped Davidson build a 22-point lead.