With the final stretch of the season fast approaching and the Southern Conference tournament just weeks away, Georgia Southern is leaning more and more on a pair of transfer point guards — C.J. Reed and Brian Holmes.

Reed, a senior, came to GSU from Central Florida, and he transferred there only after leaving Bethune-Cookman.

Holmes, a junior, came to the Eagles via junior college where he went after leaving North Florida.

"I’m really proud of both of those guys," GSU coach Charlton Young said. "Bless their hearts, this is their third system. They’ve had to learn how to get the other guy shots, learn when and how to get their offense and take care of the ball and make good decisions. That’s a lot when you’re just thrown in as a transfer."

The Eagles (9-13, 3-6 SoCon) face Chattanooga at Hanner Fieldhouse today at 7:30 p.m., and Young feels like the guards, who average a combined 5.2 assists per game, have emerged as leaders.

"The other guys were trying to teach them the sets, the plays, the secondary (early in the season). They’re coming into their own," Young said. "We’ve had some five-turnover games, and that’s really good. A lot of that is a testament to C.J. Reed and Brian Holmes, how smart they are on the court."

Chattanooga (8-13, 3-5) runs a fast-paced system, and GSU will have to stay on its toes. The Mocs also have plenty of length with a trio of versatile players — Gee McGhee (10.4 points per game) and forwards Zacchaus Mason (14.3) and Ronrico White (9.9) — to lead the offense.

"Their two inside guys are really, really good," Young said. "They’re a potent team, a really explosive team. They want to play fast. They can throw a flurry at you pretty quickly. We’re going to have to be a great transition defense team. Their inside guys can not only score on the block, but they go from rim to rim. It puts a lot of pressure on your bigs."

The Mocs may get a little bit of motivation from the 2011-12 season. The Eagles beat them three times, twice in the regular season and again in the SoCon tournament.

"You know they’re going to be fired up to get a ‘W.’ (Chattanooga coach) John Schulman’s teams are always going to play hard and be fired up," Young said. "It’s going to be a tough one."

Matt Yogus may be reached at (912) 489-9408.