Lawrence, Wiedeman expected to return to Cougars lineup

For the first time in a month, College of Charleston coach Doug Wojcik is hoping to have the full complement of players at his disposal.

Senior guard Andrew Lawrence and junior forward Trent Wiedeman are expected to take the floor tonight when the Cougars face Old Dominion at TD Arena for a 7:30 game. The College of Charleston struggled in its last two homes games — an 80-38 loss to Louisville and a 65-49 defeat at the hands of Division II Anderson.

Lawrence missed last Thursday’s game against Anderson with a sprained ankle he suffered against Louisville on Dec. 4. Wiedeman has missed the last six games with a sprained ankle.

The Cougars are 4-2 without Wiedeman, who sprained his right ankle late in the second half against Auburn in the Charleston Classic.

Lawrence has missed two games, both losses.

“We were able to practice some without Trent, and that helped prepare us a little better when he wasn’t able to play,” Wojcik said. “It seems to be a bigger issue without Andrew. He’s another ball- handler, he takes the pressure off of Anthony Stitt, and he really helps us with our spacing. I think having him back will help us a lot on the offensive end. Andrew and Trent are our most experienced players and mean a lot to us.”

Without Lawrence in the lineup, Stitt was forced to become the Cougars’ primary ball handler against Anderson. Stitt played 37 minutes and suffered through cramps in the second half against the Trojans.

“We have made some adjustments on the defensive end as well as on the offensive end,” Stitt said. “Our main focus right now is to get better every day.”

The Cougars shot just 34 and 33 percent against Louisville and Anderson, respectively. The Cougars have also turned the ball over 45 times in the two losses, including 27 times against Louisville.

“Our biggest problem right now is turnovers,” Wojcik said. “We need to take better care of the basketball. I’m not as concerned about our shooting. You’re going to go through games where you just don’t shoot the ball well.”

Old Dominion is suffering through one of its worst seasons in recent memory. The Monarchs are just 1-9 and in the midst of an eight-game losing streak.