SFA (3-2, 0-0) vs. New Orleans (1-7, 0-0)
WHEN: JAN 2 (SAT) 4:30P.M.
WHERE: William R. Johnson Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
The Lumberjacks are back in action this Saturday after taking a longer than expected Christmas break after a brief pause in program activities due to COVID-19. They will be fresh starting Southland play against the Privateers of New Orleans and veteran coach Mark Slessinger. Both teams will be looking for some redemption to what was largely disappointing non-conference play. These two teams know each other well, and their most recent contests have been physical. Expect more of the same this time.
New Orleans only has one win this year against in-state rival Louisiana. That performance is a dim light in the worst start in school history through eight games. The Privateers do not rank in the top half of the NCAA in any meaningful statistic except being 133rd in the nation in assists. Lead by Troy Green (Sr., 6'3", G) and Damion Rosser (Jr-R, 6'4", G), the team from the Big Easy are only garnering about 64 points a game. After reloading the team after last year's lackluster performance with freshmen and JUCO transfers, 10 year head coach Mark Slessinger still hasn't found a way to get the unit to be strong as a team. They are not big inside, and though they have 3 decent upperclassmen guards, they have been without bite on the offensive end.
SFA on the other hand is still shaking in confidence after having their guard play exposed against Baylor and Louisiana-Monroe. Look for Keller to lean heavy on the more dominant inside core of bigs. But, the perimeter play needs to be getting sharper against one of the worst teams in the SLC this year. David and Roti need to take the mantle of senior leadership on themselves. Cam is going to need to contribute 15+ points, while newcomers Nigel and DeAndre are going to need to seriously limit mistakes.
SFA is the best in the nation at keeping their opponents from rebounding. That kind of in-the-paint dominance is going to be the keys to success for the Jacks this season. Coach Cox has his unit running at a top pitch. The front court could probably win this game by themselves, but they have to watch their fouls and get Kensmil going. This is the time of year that really matters - the long grind to March. Consistency is the only thing that is going to catch anyone's eye from here on out. Stay focused Jacks.
Axe 'em!
WHEN: JAN 2 (SAT) 4:30P.M.
WHERE: William R. Johnson Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
The Lumberjacks are back in action this Saturday after taking a longer than expected Christmas break after a brief pause in program activities due to COVID-19. They will be fresh starting Southland play against the Privateers of New Orleans and veteran coach Mark Slessinger. Both teams will be looking for some redemption to what was largely disappointing non-conference play. These two teams know each other well, and their most recent contests have been physical. Expect more of the same this time.
New Orleans only has one win this year against in-state rival Louisiana. That performance is a dim light in the worst start in school history through eight games. The Privateers do not rank in the top half of the NCAA in any meaningful statistic except being 133rd in the nation in assists. Lead by Troy Green (Sr., 6'3", G) and Damion Rosser (Jr-R, 6'4", G), the team from the Big Easy are only garnering about 64 points a game. After reloading the team after last year's lackluster performance with freshmen and JUCO transfers, 10 year head coach Mark Slessinger still hasn't found a way to get the unit to be strong as a team. They are not big inside, and though they have 3 decent upperclassmen guards, they have been without bite on the offensive end.
SFA on the other hand is still shaking in confidence after having their guard play exposed against Baylor and Louisiana-Monroe. Look for Keller to lean heavy on the more dominant inside core of bigs. But, the perimeter play needs to be getting sharper against one of the worst teams in the SLC this year. David and Roti need to take the mantle of senior leadership on themselves. Cam is going to need to contribute 15+ points, while newcomers Nigel and DeAndre are going to need to seriously limit mistakes.
SFA is the best in the nation at keeping their opponents from rebounding. That kind of in-the-paint dominance is going to be the keys to success for the Jacks this season. Coach Cox has his unit running at a top pitch. The front court could probably win this game by themselves, but they have to watch their fouls and get Kensmil going. This is the time of year that really matters - the long grind to March. Consistency is the only thing that is going to catch anyone's eye from here on out. Stay focused Jacks.
Axe 'em!
