SFA (14-12, 7-7) vs. Central Arkansas (10-17, 5-9)
WHEN: FEB. 27 (WED) 7:00 P.M.
WHERE: Farris Center (Conway, AR)
WATCH: SLC Digital Network (live link)
Four games left in the regular season of Southland play. Four games to determine who goes and in what seed will they play in Katy. When there were 8 games left, SFA had the easiest track to gaining ground to Katy on the relative strength of the first four games. However, the Jacks stumbled to a 2-2 record against teams with worse records. Now with 4 games left, SFA has the hardest remaining schedule of all the teams fighting for position. The only game remaining against an opponent with a worse record is this one against Central Arkansas - losers of seven straight.
Central Arkansas has been struggling over the past month. In February, the offense has stagnated with no game showing their current issues more than this past Saturday's 43 point shellacking by Nicholls State. Noticeably absent is the recent production by Thatch Unruh, but Deandre Jones continues to be the leader for this team. Keeping the offense off-balance on their home court will be the key to the game. If SFA's recent turn at team ball can be used effectively, the Jacks should be able to give this down-and-out team the final send-off for this season. UCA has only ever beaten the Lumberjacks one time in their history. That was last year in Conway. The Jacks need to make sure history does not repeat itself.
Rance Cole brought a spark off the bench on Saturday reminding SFA that this team wins when they play as a team. Good passing and offensive intensity helped get everyone involved in the action. A commitment to team defense also kept the Cardinals from finding any real reason to put up a fight down the stretch. A similar plan needs to be present on Wednesday to keep the Bears from coming alive. Games against UCA have a tendency to be shoot-arounds, but the Jacks need this one to be a grinder.
Katy talk:
The Jacks are sitting at 7-7 in SLC play. History says that with a 9-9 record they will be in. History also says that is the most likely final level for this 2019 team. However, if the Jacks win their final four, with just a little help, they will get a first round bye. If they lose the final four, they will most likely miss out on the tournament. It is not game over for the Jacks if they lose tomorrow, but this is the path of least resistance for a postseason opportunity. Also, it's an opportunity to build some momentum going into the weekend against the team that is just ahead of them in the standings. Lamar's remaining games are easier than SFA's, but they face a surging HBU tomorrow. If they lose to them and SFA can win in Conway, the Saturday game puts the winning team in the right spot to nab that final bye.
Axe 'em!
WHEN: FEB. 27 (WED) 7:00 P.M.
WHERE: Farris Center (Conway, AR)
WATCH: SLC Digital Network (live link)
Four games left in the regular season of Southland play. Four games to determine who goes and in what seed will they play in Katy. When there were 8 games left, SFA had the easiest track to gaining ground to Katy on the relative strength of the first four games. However, the Jacks stumbled to a 2-2 record against teams with worse records. Now with 4 games left, SFA has the hardest remaining schedule of all the teams fighting for position. The only game remaining against an opponent with a worse record is this one against Central Arkansas - losers of seven straight.
Central Arkansas has been struggling over the past month. In February, the offense has stagnated with no game showing their current issues more than this past Saturday's 43 point shellacking by Nicholls State. Noticeably absent is the recent production by Thatch Unruh, but Deandre Jones continues to be the leader for this team. Keeping the offense off-balance on their home court will be the key to the game. If SFA's recent turn at team ball can be used effectively, the Jacks should be able to give this down-and-out team the final send-off for this season. UCA has only ever beaten the Lumberjacks one time in their history. That was last year in Conway. The Jacks need to make sure history does not repeat itself.
Rance Cole brought a spark off the bench on Saturday reminding SFA that this team wins when they play as a team. Good passing and offensive intensity helped get everyone involved in the action. A commitment to team defense also kept the Cardinals from finding any real reason to put up a fight down the stretch. A similar plan needs to be present on Wednesday to keep the Bears from coming alive. Games against UCA have a tendency to be shoot-arounds, but the Jacks need this one to be a grinder.
Katy talk:
The Jacks are sitting at 7-7 in SLC play. History says that with a 9-9 record they will be in. History also says that is the most likely final level for this 2019 team. However, if the Jacks win their final four, with just a little help, they will get a first round bye. If they lose the final four, they will most likely miss out on the tournament. It is not game over for the Jacks if they lose tomorrow, but this is the path of least resistance for a postseason opportunity. Also, it's an opportunity to build some momentum going into the weekend against the team that is just ahead of them in the standings. Lamar's remaining games are easier than SFA's, but they face a surging HBU tomorrow. If they lose to them and SFA can win in Conway, the Saturday game puts the winning team in the right spot to nab that final bye.
Axe 'em!
Ryan
Kinnaird Guitars
Kinnaird Guitars
