SFA (15-3, 6-1) vs. Northwestern St. (7-9, 4-3)
WHEN: JAN 22 (WED) 6:30 P.M.
WHERE: Prather Coliseum (Natchitoches, LA)
WATCH: NSUDemons.com ($)
Well, here we are. Seven games into the season sitting in first place with a 6-1 record in the SLC. The Jacks have done it by playing 6 teams with a losing record - currently McNeese is the only team above the .500 mark. However, that now changes as the Lumberjacks face winning teams 4 out the next 5 games - the one sole exception is playing the Keller nemesis Lamar in Beaumont. This stretch of games is where we get to find out the mettle of this year's team. It all starts across the Sabine with our purple rival - the aptly named Demons.
Northwestern St. - somehow still coached by Mike McConathy (didn't he go on a farewell tour two seasons ago?) - is off to their best conference start in some time. They have done it by reloading their roster with transfers and overseas recruits. The Jacks will face one of the tougher inside threats of the year in Chudier Bile (6'6" Jr. SF) who is averaging about 13 points and 7.5 rebounds a game. He is supported by Jairus Roberson (6'2" Jr. G) transfer from Trinity Valley JC and Nikos Chougaz (6'10" Fr. G) from Greece who has to be the tallest person listed in a Southland backcourt.
The Demons are playing very average offense, but they limit teams' possessions by wasting the clock. This helps to overcome their poor defense. The also foul a lot deep into a defensive possession forcing teams to be sharp from the line. They are not going to overwhelm the Jacks - even though they are willing to play all 13 players on the bench in any game, but they will try to frustrate the Jacks by throwing the game's rhythm off. If you have watched any of the frustrating games in the last couple of years in Natchitoches, then you will have an idea of what their game plan is.
The Jacks however are still the stronger team in almost every facet. Criticisms have been lodged against the team that they have been playing down to their opponents - even when winning by 24 points. Still waiting on Daniels to be cleared to play and without Nathan Bain, the Lumberjacks have the talent and game plan to make this year's trip to our sister city a better one. It starts with shooting a high percentage of shots. Despite the lapses in offense seen in the last couple of games, SFA is still pouring their shots through the net at around 50%. Kevon, Cam, and now David and Roti are filling up the bucket with some regularity. For a Demons team that struggles keeping teams from scoring, this will be a priority.
Again, free throws will be a factor, but if this game is decided by them, then the Jacks haven't been pushing the pace enough. Stopping their not-so-big guy low will be tough for Kensmil and Solomon, but if they can do it without picking up too many fouls, then the pressure on their guards will be too much. We need to score in any way, but the more our defense can force fast-break points, the better our margin of victory in this game.
The Jacks always have a tough one in Prather, but this year there is hope that it will be with a little less drama.
Axe 'em!
WHEN: JAN 22 (WED) 6:30 P.M.
WHERE: Prather Coliseum (Natchitoches, LA)
WATCH: NSUDemons.com ($)
Well, here we are. Seven games into the season sitting in first place with a 6-1 record in the SLC. The Jacks have done it by playing 6 teams with a losing record - currently McNeese is the only team above the .500 mark. However, that now changes as the Lumberjacks face winning teams 4 out the next 5 games - the one sole exception is playing the Keller nemesis Lamar in Beaumont. This stretch of games is where we get to find out the mettle of this year's team. It all starts across the Sabine with our purple rival - the aptly named Demons.
Northwestern St. - somehow still coached by Mike McConathy (didn't he go on a farewell tour two seasons ago?) - is off to their best conference start in some time. They have done it by reloading their roster with transfers and overseas recruits. The Jacks will face one of the tougher inside threats of the year in Chudier Bile (6'6" Jr. SF) who is averaging about 13 points and 7.5 rebounds a game. He is supported by Jairus Roberson (6'2" Jr. G) transfer from Trinity Valley JC and Nikos Chougaz (6'10" Fr. G) from Greece who has to be the tallest person listed in a Southland backcourt.
The Demons are playing very average offense, but they limit teams' possessions by wasting the clock. This helps to overcome their poor defense. The also foul a lot deep into a defensive possession forcing teams to be sharp from the line. They are not going to overwhelm the Jacks - even though they are willing to play all 13 players on the bench in any game, but they will try to frustrate the Jacks by throwing the game's rhythm off. If you have watched any of the frustrating games in the last couple of years in Natchitoches, then you will have an idea of what their game plan is.
The Jacks however are still the stronger team in almost every facet. Criticisms have been lodged against the team that they have been playing down to their opponents - even when winning by 24 points. Still waiting on Daniels to be cleared to play and without Nathan Bain, the Lumberjacks have the talent and game plan to make this year's trip to our sister city a better one. It starts with shooting a high percentage of shots. Despite the lapses in offense seen in the last couple of games, SFA is still pouring their shots through the net at around 50%. Kevon, Cam, and now David and Roti are filling up the bucket with some regularity. For a Demons team that struggles keeping teams from scoring, this will be a priority.
Again, free throws will be a factor, but if this game is decided by them, then the Jacks haven't been pushing the pace enough. Stopping their not-so-big guy low will be tough for Kensmil and Solomon, but if they can do it without picking up too many fouls, then the pressure on their guards will be too much. We need to score in any way, but the more our defense can force fast-break points, the better our margin of victory in this game.
The Jacks always have a tough one in Prather, but this year there is hope that it will be with a little less drama.
Axe 'em!
Ryan
Kinnaird Guitars
Kinnaird Guitars
