SFA (16-3, 7-1) vs. Lamar (10-10, 4-5)
WHEN: JAN 25 (SAT) 4:30 P.M.
WHERE: Montagne Center (Beaumont, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
For the sixth time in the first nine conference games, SFA will be on the road. So far they have been perfect in SLC road travel, but that mark will be severely tested when the Lumberjacks travel to Beaumont Saturday afternoon. In his first year, Keller was able to beat Lamar the two times SFA played them, but since then Tic Price's team has won four straight. Two years ago, it kept SFA from getting a double bye; last year, it meant no trip to Katy at all. A rebuilding year of sorts is not going to keep the Cardinals from trying to play spoiler again.
No one wants this win more than John and Kevon. They know the embarrassment that their past teams have suffered, and they are ready for retribution. Neither player has ever won in Beaumont. In fact, only Nathan Bain was on the winning side in the Montagne Center when as a freshman under Brad Underwood he got 6 minutes and 2 points from the stripe in a 21 point victory. February 22, 2016. That's the second longest drought SFA has in any SLC arena save Nicholls which is two days longer. Keller and company want this win, and the third time there will be the charm.
In many ways, Lamar is a close cousin to SFA. They both score a lot of two pointers, rebound the offensive glass well, and turn other teams over. They have four players who average double digit points and a fifth at 9.9 pts/game. They play a smooth inside-out game that is focused on strong guard play. Like the Jacks, they would rather pound the paint than shoot from outside. But where this game could get ugly is on defense. Both teams are in the top 10 in forced turnovers and steals. It's gonna get physical.
Lane protection is going to be the key of this game. SFA has a hefty advantage in their scoring prowess, but whoever can keep the other from getting points up close will have the upper hand. This starts with the bigs. Kensmil, Daniels, and Solomon have shown that they have what it takes to play strong inside, but this game they need to put together a full game performance light on fouls. Obviously, the inside is going to get a lot softer if the outside shooting is hot. Davion Buster, their 5'10" guard takes almost 9 threes per game. Making sure he doesn't go off (like we've seen from so many Lamar guards of the past) will be vital.
Foul trouble has hurt the Jacks in tight games this year. The Jacks foul more than almost any team anywhere...and turn the ball over. We cannot allow the Cardinals to have 30 shots at the line or have 20 extra possessions like our stats say they will. We have to play tough and yet clean. It's been a hard line for this team not to cross, but every possession will count.
Lamar has not beat a team with a winning record all year long. They did take Sam to overtime in a game they should probably have won, but they do not have a winning mentality right now. We need to kick them while they are down. This year's Jacks are winners.
WHEN: JAN 25 (SAT) 4:30 P.M.
WHERE: Montagne Center (Beaumont, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
For the sixth time in the first nine conference games, SFA will be on the road. So far they have been perfect in SLC road travel, but that mark will be severely tested when the Lumberjacks travel to Beaumont Saturday afternoon. In his first year, Keller was able to beat Lamar the two times SFA played them, but since then Tic Price's team has won four straight. Two years ago, it kept SFA from getting a double bye; last year, it meant no trip to Katy at all. A rebuilding year of sorts is not going to keep the Cardinals from trying to play spoiler again.
No one wants this win more than John and Kevon. They know the embarrassment that their past teams have suffered, and they are ready for retribution. Neither player has ever won in Beaumont. In fact, only Nathan Bain was on the winning side in the Montagne Center when as a freshman under Brad Underwood he got 6 minutes and 2 points from the stripe in a 21 point victory. February 22, 2016. That's the second longest drought SFA has in any SLC arena save Nicholls which is two days longer. Keller and company want this win, and the third time there will be the charm.
In many ways, Lamar is a close cousin to SFA. They both score a lot of two pointers, rebound the offensive glass well, and turn other teams over. They have four players who average double digit points and a fifth at 9.9 pts/game. They play a smooth inside-out game that is focused on strong guard play. Like the Jacks, they would rather pound the paint than shoot from outside. But where this game could get ugly is on defense. Both teams are in the top 10 in forced turnovers and steals. It's gonna get physical.
Lane protection is going to be the key of this game. SFA has a hefty advantage in their scoring prowess, but whoever can keep the other from getting points up close will have the upper hand. This starts with the bigs. Kensmil, Daniels, and Solomon have shown that they have what it takes to play strong inside, but this game they need to put together a full game performance light on fouls. Obviously, the inside is going to get a lot softer if the outside shooting is hot. Davion Buster, their 5'10" guard takes almost 9 threes per game. Making sure he doesn't go off (like we've seen from so many Lamar guards of the past) will be vital.
Foul trouble has hurt the Jacks in tight games this year. The Jacks foul more than almost any team anywhere...and turn the ball over. We cannot allow the Cardinals to have 30 shots at the line or have 20 extra possessions like our stats say they will. We have to play tough and yet clean. It's been a hard line for this team not to cross, but every possession will count.
Lamar has not beat a team with a winning record all year long. They did take Sam to overtime in a game they should probably have won, but they do not have a winning mentality right now. We need to kick them while they are down. This year's Jacks are winners.
Ryan
Kinnaird Guitars
Kinnaird Guitars
