This post was written by Hatchet reporter Josh Solomon

WHO: GW (8-4) vs. Bluefield State (4-9)

WHERE: Smith Center

WHEN: Tuesday, 12 p.m.

Case for Bluefield State:

The Division II Blues of Bluefield State are coming off two straight wins, both of which they won by an average of 23 points.

During that streak, senior guard Kearah Jefferys scored 21 and 22 points in the two contests. Jefferys leads the team in scoring averaging 12.0 points per game. At 5-foot-5 she will likely go head-to-head with either graduate student Danni Jackson or defensive specialist, junior Chakecia Miller.

The Blues are averaging 3.1 blocks per game, similar to the Colonials’ 3.0 blocks per game. With no one taller than six feet though, it will be difficult for the Blues to maintain this advantage over a bigger Colonials squad.

The Blues will be well-rested as they come up to D.C. from West Virginia to take on the Colonials after not playing since Dec. 21.

If GW is without graduate student Megan Nipe – the team’s leading scorer – and other Colonials, like Danni Jackson, fail to step-up to provide the scoring, the Blues could catch the Colonials off guard. Not to mention, GW might look past their DII opponent in preparation for their A-10 opener against George Mason later this week on Thursday.

Case for GW:

The Colonials should be able to roll into conference play Thursday on a five-game winning streak after their matchup against Bluefield State. The Colonials are bigger and have faced significantly stronger competition this season, including American, who they defeated Saturday.

Their two weaknesses will be potential fatigue, and the lack of Nipe’s scoring on the floor. GW was able to overcome not having their leading scorer against American, and will probably see a couple different faces lead the way Tuesday.

Sophomore Jonquel Jones was plagued with foul trouble all game against American, limiting both her minutes and productivity. As long as Jones stays clear of foul trouble early on, her size difference will likely help her lead the team on the scoring end, especially if Nipe does not play with her lower body injury. Freshman Caira Washington could also see a big game, after being quiet in recent games on the scoring end – averaging just four points in the Colonials last two games.

Reigning A-10 Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week, Jackson and freshman Hannah Schaible  as a pair could have another productive effort. They will use their speed and physicality against a smaller Bluefield State.