SFA (3-1) vs. Louisiana - Monroe (1-2)
WHEN: DEC 12 (SAT) 4:00P.M.
WHERE: Fant-Ewing Coliseum (Monroe, LA)
WATCH: (Q1077.com audio)
The SFA Lumberjacks are coming off of a second half shellacking in Waco that may have fans and players alike scratching their heads. The #2 Baylor Bears exposed the weakness the Jacks have currently in guard play and ball control, but there were positives to the game as well. The interior unit of the Jacks is top notch - they can play with anyone. The Jacks' fitness and speed were not a weakness nor were size and length. Offensive schemes seemed to be solid as well even when the execution wasn't always perfect. The Lumberjacks are a good team, but they are not tournament ready yet. But, they still have three months.
Game one of the post-Baylor tournament prep starts this Saturday in Monroe, LA against the ULM Warhawks. The Hawks are the #264 team in KenPom which makes them our toughest non-conference opponent left. They are coming off back to back games against fellow Southland teams Northwestern St. and Lamar. They squeaked out a win in OT against NWST and would have been in OT for the second game in a row had not Davion Buster drilled a toss up 40+ footer while time expired. Even though they are a complete upperclassmen team stocked with JUCO transfers, they have not found their footing and are looking to establish something against the Jacks.
The teams are 1-1 against each other the last two seasons with the home team winning both times. The offense is currently being lead by Koreem Ozier (G, 6'1", Jr.) in the back court and Russell Harrison (G/F, 6'7", Jr.) in the front court. They have seemed to mainly play an isolation style offense with slashing guards into the lane for a shot or kicking it out to the wing for the three attempt. They take 20 shots from behind the arc a game, and while they only make 30% of them, perimeter defense is still going to be a factor. They are not a great rebounding team, but they can be feisty turning their opponents over 15 times a game.
All indications are that the Jacks will own the paint in this game. SFA is one of the lowest three shooting teams in the nation, and do not expect that to change this game with so much advantage inside. The Jacks will attack the paint hot and heavy. However, ball security is something that will have to change. Aggressive guards will be trying to replicate Baylor's success against David and Roti. They have to tighten up and be crisp with their handle and passing. Heckard and Hawkins will probably get a lot of game time chasing down the Hawks' guards.
Two SLC foes had success against a new and rusty Warhawks team. If SFA wants to shake off the blow of Wednesday night and regain their swagger, they need to come out and handle ULM from start to finish. They can do it.
Axe 'em!
WHEN: DEC 12 (SAT) 4:00P.M.
WHERE: Fant-Ewing Coliseum (Monroe, LA)
WATCH: (Q1077.com audio)
The SFA Lumberjacks are coming off of a second half shellacking in Waco that may have fans and players alike scratching their heads. The #2 Baylor Bears exposed the weakness the Jacks have currently in guard play and ball control, but there were positives to the game as well. The interior unit of the Jacks is top notch - they can play with anyone. The Jacks' fitness and speed were not a weakness nor were size and length. Offensive schemes seemed to be solid as well even when the execution wasn't always perfect. The Lumberjacks are a good team, but they are not tournament ready yet. But, they still have three months.
Game one of the post-Baylor tournament prep starts this Saturday in Monroe, LA against the ULM Warhawks. The Hawks are the #264 team in KenPom which makes them our toughest non-conference opponent left. They are coming off back to back games against fellow Southland teams Northwestern St. and Lamar. They squeaked out a win in OT against NWST and would have been in OT for the second game in a row had not Davion Buster drilled a toss up 40+ footer while time expired. Even though they are a complete upperclassmen team stocked with JUCO transfers, they have not found their footing and are looking to establish something against the Jacks.
The teams are 1-1 against each other the last two seasons with the home team winning both times. The offense is currently being lead by Koreem Ozier (G, 6'1", Jr.) in the back court and Russell Harrison (G/F, 6'7", Jr.) in the front court. They have seemed to mainly play an isolation style offense with slashing guards into the lane for a shot or kicking it out to the wing for the three attempt. They take 20 shots from behind the arc a game, and while they only make 30% of them, perimeter defense is still going to be a factor. They are not a great rebounding team, but they can be feisty turning their opponents over 15 times a game.
All indications are that the Jacks will own the paint in this game. SFA is one of the lowest three shooting teams in the nation, and do not expect that to change this game with so much advantage inside. The Jacks will attack the paint hot and heavy. However, ball security is something that will have to change. Aggressive guards will be trying to replicate Baylor's success against David and Roti. They have to tighten up and be crisp with their handle and passing. Heckard and Hawkins will probably get a lot of game time chasing down the Hawks' guards.
Two SLC foes had success against a new and rusty Warhawks team. If SFA wants to shake off the blow of Wednesday night and regain their swagger, they need to come out and handle ULM from start to finish. They can do it.
Axe 'em!
