SFA (19-3, 10-1) vs. Nicholls State (14-8, 8-3)
WHEN: FEB 5 (WED) 6:30 P.M.
WHERE: William R. Johnson Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
Boom! That was the sound of the Lumberjacks felling a big one Saturday night in Huntsville. In one week, the Jacks took down two of their closest competitors with some authority, and now there's one left. Nicholls State is now back in second place after the Jacks lowered the Bearkats back a game. This five game stretch (three on the road) has been the turning point in the Southland season, and SFA has passed every test. Now, they have a big game at home Wednesday night to close out all the best of the SLC right where they want to be - on top.
The Colonels have looked the part of spoilers all season. In November, they took a now ranked Illinois to OT, beat solid ACC member Pitt, kept a game with ranked LSU to 10, and almost edged Rhode Island in Jamaica. A solid resume. Then conference play happened. They haven't been able to top the best in the SLC except for a road win at Sam when the Bearkat team was battling the flu. Not a bad year, but not quite great either. Unrealized perhaps.
Nicholls will try to change that now. Coming off a bye, this upperclassmen team - rare for the Southland this year - will be gunning to put their stamp on this year by knocking off the Duke beaters. The Colonels have one of the best starting fives that the Jacks will face. Led by Dexter McClanahan (6'4" Sr. G) and Elvis Harvey (6'8" Sr. F), they have a very balanced front to back team. Houston native Warith Alatishe (6'7" So. F) is one of the best young bigs in the SLC (averaging 9 rebounds/game). Plus like the last two teams, they play a high pressure defense that is in the top 10 in steals and forced turnovers. Generally speaking they have an average offense, but it's physical and grinding. They are not blowing the doors off of anyone, but they will wear you out.
Keller has been answering a lot of questions about what he can do with decent SFA talent, but the main success these Jacks have had has been in their interior. Jeremy Cox has Kensmil, Daniels, Bain, and Solomon playing a harassing inside defense while picking and ducking around the paint for easy buckets. One on one, they might not beat any strongmen, but as a unit, they are tearing down the competition. Expect more of the same against Nicholls State. This may be their ultimate test.
Roti is becoming a reliable offensive weapon. He needs help from his bench counterparts of Cam and David. Those two could easily be chipping in an additional 25 points a game, but lately it's been around 10. This is the time of the year they need to start finding that other gear. Kevon is doing what he can on his bum knee, but he is driven. This whole team is. Hungry. Don't think that they are full feasting on Bearkat meat. They are insatiable.
It's another big week for Lumberjack basketball. Let's get it.
Axe 'em!
WHEN: FEB 5 (WED) 6:30 P.M.
WHERE: William R. Johnson Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
Boom! That was the sound of the Lumberjacks felling a big one Saturday night in Huntsville. In one week, the Jacks took down two of their closest competitors with some authority, and now there's one left. Nicholls State is now back in second place after the Jacks lowered the Bearkats back a game. This five game stretch (three on the road) has been the turning point in the Southland season, and SFA has passed every test. Now, they have a big game at home Wednesday night to close out all the best of the SLC right where they want to be - on top.
The Colonels have looked the part of spoilers all season. In November, they took a now ranked Illinois to OT, beat solid ACC member Pitt, kept a game with ranked LSU to 10, and almost edged Rhode Island in Jamaica. A solid resume. Then conference play happened. They haven't been able to top the best in the SLC except for a road win at Sam when the Bearkat team was battling the flu. Not a bad year, but not quite great either. Unrealized perhaps.
Nicholls will try to change that now. Coming off a bye, this upperclassmen team - rare for the Southland this year - will be gunning to put their stamp on this year by knocking off the Duke beaters. The Colonels have one of the best starting fives that the Jacks will face. Led by Dexter McClanahan (6'4" Sr. G) and Elvis Harvey (6'8" Sr. F), they have a very balanced front to back team. Houston native Warith Alatishe (6'7" So. F) is one of the best young bigs in the SLC (averaging 9 rebounds/game). Plus like the last two teams, they play a high pressure defense that is in the top 10 in steals and forced turnovers. Generally speaking they have an average offense, but it's physical and grinding. They are not blowing the doors off of anyone, but they will wear you out.
Keller has been answering a lot of questions about what he can do with decent SFA talent, but the main success these Jacks have had has been in their interior. Jeremy Cox has Kensmil, Daniels, Bain, and Solomon playing a harassing inside defense while picking and ducking around the paint for easy buckets. One on one, they might not beat any strongmen, but as a unit, they are tearing down the competition. Expect more of the same against Nicholls State. This may be their ultimate test.
Roti is becoming a reliable offensive weapon. He needs help from his bench counterparts of Cam and David. Those two could easily be chipping in an additional 25 points a game, but lately it's been around 10. This is the time of the year they need to start finding that other gear. Kevon is doing what he can on his bum knee, but he is driven. This whole team is. Hungry. Don't think that they are full feasting on Bearkat meat. They are insatiable.
It's another big week for Lumberjack basketball. Let's get it.
Axe 'em!
Ryan
Kinnaird Guitars
Kinnaird Guitars
