Appalachian could not have written a better script for its opening game in the Southern Conference Tournament. Appalachian will avoid its nemesis Georgia Southern, a team that gives Appalachian matchup problems and face Western Carolina, who defeated the Eagles in overtime on Friday. The Mountaineers defeated the Catamounts twice this season and have won six straight games overall against their in state rival. Appalachian beat Western by 36 points in Cullowhee and 19 points at home. Western Carolina was 6-2 in February in league play.