SFA (9-8, 2-3) vs. Abilene Christian (16-3, 5-1)
WHEN: JAN. 23 (WED) 6:30 P.M.
WHERE: WRJ Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
Wednesday night in Nacogdoches will see the winner of four out of the last five SLC tournaments face an opponent who has never even qualified to go to Katy. However, the Jacks will be the underdogs at home. (When's the last time the Jacks were the underdog at home versus a conference opponent? 7, 8, maybe 9 years ago?)
Last year, SFA traveled to Abilene to face the surprisingly strong Wildcats who were 4-2. Both ACU losses were by a single possession, and many felt like a breakout year was in store for the team. After the 10 point setback, ACU floundered only managing 4 more wins and missed qualifying in tiebreaker to be able to make it to Katy.
This year, ACU is coming in at 5-1. Their only loss again by a single possession to first place Sam. (They rallied from more than 20 down to almost pull it off without their star center.) This year people at the SLC's western point are starting to believe that not only qualifying for Katy is possible, but winning it is. SFA's slow start and known host of injuries have the Wildcats believing this is their year to wear the Southland crown. However, all talk of catching Sam is moot if they forget about the test they face tomorrow.
ACU is a veteran team led by all upperclassmen. Franklin their senior PG is leading an all star offense that's averaging 76 ppg. He has a 2-1 assist/TO ratio with solid up front defense. Their #2 Ricks is leading the Southland in 3 pt percentage. (The team as a whole is connecting at over 41% behind the arc.) Lewis is pounding the interior as a power forward, and Friday is their star center. This team may be the most complete team in the Southland. They capitalize on their perimeter shooting to clear out the interior game. Their defense is disciplined and typically does not allow huge runs (the 20+ run by Sam being the notable exception). Their experience has allowed them to embrace a team dynamic which is their strongest advantage.
The Lumberjacks aren't anyone's easy pickings. Down several key players, SFA is limping into this high-powered matchup. The Jacks haven't scored above ACU's 76ppg (against D1) since playing LaTech in early December. Guard defense is going to be a priority Wednesday. Usually a SFA strength, Bogues, Kevon, and Bain are going to have to face up to the outside shots. Fitz and Sammy should be even strength inside, but Mitch and Nate are going to have to battle inside too in order to slow the Wildcats. Facing fire with Fire May come down to home court help. The Jacks will need to get comfortable putting the ball in the rim from deep and get their recent long shot slump under control. The Jacks are ankle deep right now, but the bench is going to have to provide quality minutes to put down this upstart ACU squad.
Honestly, I think ACU while a very talented team is going to be fool's gold once again. They will finally make it to Katy, but their late season travel will wear on them. It does every team, but the problem with having the farthest to go incrementally builds. I would not be surprised to see a late season slump that might allow the Jacks game in Abilene to mean quite a bit about seeding. But first things first. A win by ACU puts them in the driver's seat going forward. A win by SFA gives them the confidence to claw back from that three game skid going forward. ACU hasn't lost a midweek game this year, but there's always a first time for everything. Might as well be tomorrow.
WHEN: JAN. 23 (WED) 6:30 P.M.
WHERE: WRJ Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
Wednesday night in Nacogdoches will see the winner of four out of the last five SLC tournaments face an opponent who has never even qualified to go to Katy. However, the Jacks will be the underdogs at home. (When's the last time the Jacks were the underdog at home versus a conference opponent? 7, 8, maybe 9 years ago?)
Last year, SFA traveled to Abilene to face the surprisingly strong Wildcats who were 4-2. Both ACU losses were by a single possession, and many felt like a breakout year was in store for the team. After the 10 point setback, ACU floundered only managing 4 more wins and missed qualifying in tiebreaker to be able to make it to Katy.
This year, ACU is coming in at 5-1. Their only loss again by a single possession to first place Sam. (They rallied from more than 20 down to almost pull it off without their star center.) This year people at the SLC's western point are starting to believe that not only qualifying for Katy is possible, but winning it is. SFA's slow start and known host of injuries have the Wildcats believing this is their year to wear the Southland crown. However, all talk of catching Sam is moot if they forget about the test they face tomorrow.
ACU is a veteran team led by all upperclassmen. Franklin their senior PG is leading an all star offense that's averaging 76 ppg. He has a 2-1 assist/TO ratio with solid up front defense. Their #2 Ricks is leading the Southland in 3 pt percentage. (The team as a whole is connecting at over 41% behind the arc.) Lewis is pounding the interior as a power forward, and Friday is their star center. This team may be the most complete team in the Southland. They capitalize on their perimeter shooting to clear out the interior game. Their defense is disciplined and typically does not allow huge runs (the 20+ run by Sam being the notable exception). Their experience has allowed them to embrace a team dynamic which is their strongest advantage.
The Lumberjacks aren't anyone's easy pickings. Down several key players, SFA is limping into this high-powered matchup. The Jacks haven't scored above ACU's 76ppg (against D1) since playing LaTech in early December. Guard defense is going to be a priority Wednesday. Usually a SFA strength, Bogues, Kevon, and Bain are going to have to face up to the outside shots. Fitz and Sammy should be even strength inside, but Mitch and Nate are going to have to battle inside too in order to slow the Wildcats. Facing fire with Fire May come down to home court help. The Jacks will need to get comfortable putting the ball in the rim from deep and get their recent long shot slump under control. The Jacks are ankle deep right now, but the bench is going to have to provide quality minutes to put down this upstart ACU squad.
Honestly, I think ACU while a very talented team is going to be fool's gold once again. They will finally make it to Katy, but their late season travel will wear on them. It does every team, but the problem with having the farthest to go incrementally builds. I would not be surprised to see a late season slump that might allow the Jacks game in Abilene to mean quite a bit about seeding. But first things first. A win by ACU puts them in the driver's seat going forward. A win by SFA gives them the confidence to claw back from that three game skid going forward. ACU hasn't lost a midweek game this year, but there's always a first time for everything. Might as well be tomorrow.
Ryan
Kinnaird Guitars
Kinnaird Guitars
