SFA (12-2, 3-0) vs. New Orleans (4-9, 0-3)
WHEN: JAN 4 (SAT) 6:00 P.M.
WHERE: Lakefront Arena (New Orleans, LA)
WATCH: UNO Privateers <-- Live Link
The SFA Lumberjacks are off to a 3-0 start in conference play and are hoping to continue their streak with their second game in three days at 0-3 New Orleans. This is the middle game of a three game road trip and will be the third away game in Louisiana in four conference games. SFA's struggles in Louisiana arenas have cost them a couple of SLC titles during Keller's tenure. Establishing dominance on the road is the key to gaining the first Southland crown for this coaching staff.
New Orleans cannot buy a win of significance this year. That does not mean that they are a bad team. Mark Slessinger has built the Privateers into the bullies of the SLC over the last couple of seasons, and they still play with the same physical intensity. Their current problem is depth. Due mainly to injury, UNO is only fielding seven players in competitive game play. They are playing tough, but they just run out of gas. Pace of play is going to be huge Saturday night. If the Jacks stay up-tempo throughout the contest, they will win. However, if like in the previous New Orleans visits, the Privateers slow down play and keep their players rested, it will be a long game. Throw records out the window in this game, this will be a slugfest.
New Orleans is a guard driven team. Bryson Robinson (6'4" G) is their senior stud who is liable to put up a double-double any night. Fellow guard Troy Green (Jr. 6'3") backs him up with about 14 points a game. They are confrontational at all areas of the court and are very good at forcing turnovers. They make their living on defense like the Jacks, and also like SFA they don't shoot threes. They score all their points in the paint. Plus, they are one of the best free throw shooting teams in the nation. Limiting their access to the charity stripe will probably determine how tight the game is.
The Lumberjacks will probably be without their starting big man Kensmil Saturday night as he's recovering from a practice injury. Freshman Sama'zha Hart didn't make the trip either on coach's decision. This brings SFA's typically strong 11 man depth to 9. Against a shorthanded team like UNO, it would be preferable to just run them to death with fresh legs, but this is unlikely to happen. Charlie Daniels will get another shot and being the man inside. He has to be able to control his fouls and stay in the game. Combined with Solomon, they will be getting tons of work as rim protectors. Bain will probably be the X-factor in absorbing the inside-out attack.
Roti Ware had the biggest showing of his career on Thursday. Hopefully being in his home state gives him the confidence to keep his shooting game rolling. Kevon and Cam will continue to do what they do, but against other stud players, they need to keep their cool. As much as 3-0 looks different from 0-3, this is an all hands on deck game. We need David and Oddyst to come out hot when they are in. New Orleans doesn't have the firepower to claw back in if we can separate ourselves. Every player executing will help us come out with a perfect run intact.
This is a different team than last year's in so many ways, but this is the moment in the season when it all unraveled last year. This Jacks team has to put away those lingering doubts and finish off this road trip with authority. They have the ability. Let's get it done.
Axe 'em!
WHEN: JAN 4 (SAT) 6:00 P.M.
WHERE: Lakefront Arena (New Orleans, LA)
WATCH: UNO Privateers <-- Live Link
The SFA Lumberjacks are off to a 3-0 start in conference play and are hoping to continue their streak with their second game in three days at 0-3 New Orleans. This is the middle game of a three game road trip and will be the third away game in Louisiana in four conference games. SFA's struggles in Louisiana arenas have cost them a couple of SLC titles during Keller's tenure. Establishing dominance on the road is the key to gaining the first Southland crown for this coaching staff.
New Orleans cannot buy a win of significance this year. That does not mean that they are a bad team. Mark Slessinger has built the Privateers into the bullies of the SLC over the last couple of seasons, and they still play with the same physical intensity. Their current problem is depth. Due mainly to injury, UNO is only fielding seven players in competitive game play. They are playing tough, but they just run out of gas. Pace of play is going to be huge Saturday night. If the Jacks stay up-tempo throughout the contest, they will win. However, if like in the previous New Orleans visits, the Privateers slow down play and keep their players rested, it will be a long game. Throw records out the window in this game, this will be a slugfest.
New Orleans is a guard driven team. Bryson Robinson (6'4" G) is their senior stud who is liable to put up a double-double any night. Fellow guard Troy Green (Jr. 6'3") backs him up with about 14 points a game. They are confrontational at all areas of the court and are very good at forcing turnovers. They make their living on defense like the Jacks, and also like SFA they don't shoot threes. They score all their points in the paint. Plus, they are one of the best free throw shooting teams in the nation. Limiting their access to the charity stripe will probably determine how tight the game is.
The Lumberjacks will probably be without their starting big man Kensmil Saturday night as he's recovering from a practice injury. Freshman Sama'zha Hart didn't make the trip either on coach's decision. This brings SFA's typically strong 11 man depth to 9. Against a shorthanded team like UNO, it would be preferable to just run them to death with fresh legs, but this is unlikely to happen. Charlie Daniels will get another shot and being the man inside. He has to be able to control his fouls and stay in the game. Combined with Solomon, they will be getting tons of work as rim protectors. Bain will probably be the X-factor in absorbing the inside-out attack.
Roti Ware had the biggest showing of his career on Thursday. Hopefully being in his home state gives him the confidence to keep his shooting game rolling. Kevon and Cam will continue to do what they do, but against other stud players, they need to keep their cool. As much as 3-0 looks different from 0-3, this is an all hands on deck game. We need David and Oddyst to come out hot when they are in. New Orleans doesn't have the firepower to claw back in if we can separate ourselves. Every player executing will help us come out with a perfect run intact.
This is a different team than last year's in so many ways, but this is the moment in the season when it all unraveled last year. This Jacks team has to put away those lingering doubts and finish off this road trip with authority. They have the ability. Let's get it done.
Axe 'em!
Ryan
Kinnaird Guitars
Kinnaird Guitars
