SFA (10-8, 3-3) vs. Central Arkansas (10-11, 5-3)
WHEN: JAN. 30 (WED) 6:30 P.M.
WHERE: WRJ Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
Coming off their first back-to-back wins against D1 teams this season, the Lumberjacks will try to get a real winning streak going against the Bears of Central Arkansas. The math is pretty simple. Both teams are coming in with 3 losses in conference play. One team will leave with a higher place in the standings.
Last year in their first meeting in Conway, the Jacks saw two of the greatest individual performances of the SLC season. Unfortunately, both were on UCA's side as Jordan Howard and Thatch Unruh combined for 493 points (ok actually 71 points). The loss kept SFA from being able to catch SELA and Nicholls down the stretch for the SLC title. Another loss this year will probably close the door on any remaining small chance of a title this year as well.
This UCA team is a lot different than the one led by the virtually unguardable Howard. Without a reliable offensive threat, the team offense of the Bears has had trouble against good team defenses. Guard DeAndre Jones and center Hayden Koval lead their inside out attack. While their three point percentage isn't what it was, they still have the ability to hit from deep. This opens their pair of 7 footers to work the inside. Koval is especially tough on defense inside blocking shots at a prodigious rate.
Their team is not good at traveling though with a 3-10 record on the road. This should benefit the Jacks, but the Bears are a confidence team. If they get ahead, they play with more resolve. It will be imperative at home for SFA to slow them at the start and impose their will on the game. Fitz and Sammy will have to move the their bigs out of their spots. Nate and Kevon will have to keep their potent defense out on the arc.
Will this be the game that the offense clicks or will it be another grinder? It's yet to be seen. Defense leads to offense, but so far, the offense has been marginal. Bogues and Harris are solid with their performances, but can we get anyone else involved? Wednesday night will be the set up for a chance to take undefeated Sam down a peg. But the only way to get where we want is to take care of business at home.
Axe 'em Jacks.
WHEN: JAN. 30 (WED) 6:30 P.M.
WHERE: WRJ Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
Coming off their first back-to-back wins against D1 teams this season, the Lumberjacks will try to get a real winning streak going against the Bears of Central Arkansas. The math is pretty simple. Both teams are coming in with 3 losses in conference play. One team will leave with a higher place in the standings.
Last year in their first meeting in Conway, the Jacks saw two of the greatest individual performances of the SLC season. Unfortunately, both were on UCA's side as Jordan Howard and Thatch Unruh combined for 493 points (ok actually 71 points). The loss kept SFA from being able to catch SELA and Nicholls down the stretch for the SLC title. Another loss this year will probably close the door on any remaining small chance of a title this year as well.
This UCA team is a lot different than the one led by the virtually unguardable Howard. Without a reliable offensive threat, the team offense of the Bears has had trouble against good team defenses. Guard DeAndre Jones and center Hayden Koval lead their inside out attack. While their three point percentage isn't what it was, they still have the ability to hit from deep. This opens their pair of 7 footers to work the inside. Koval is especially tough on defense inside blocking shots at a prodigious rate.
Their team is not good at traveling though with a 3-10 record on the road. This should benefit the Jacks, but the Bears are a confidence team. If they get ahead, they play with more resolve. It will be imperative at home for SFA to slow them at the start and impose their will on the game. Fitz and Sammy will have to move the their bigs out of their spots. Nate and Kevon will have to keep their potent defense out on the arc.
Will this be the game that the offense clicks or will it be another grinder? It's yet to be seen. Defense leads to offense, but so far, the offense has been marginal. Bogues and Harris are solid with their performances, but can we get anyone else involved? Wednesday night will be the set up for a chance to take undefeated Sam down a peg. But the only way to get where we want is to take care of business at home.
Axe 'em Jacks.
Ryan
Kinnaird Guitars
Kinnaird Guitars