SFA (8-4, 0-0) vs. Abilene Christian (11-2, 2-0)
WHEN: JAN 6 (THU) 7:00P.M.
WHERE: Teague Center (Abilene, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
2022 is finally here for Lumberjacks fans, and this means that WAC Conference play can finally get started. 2021 ended on a sour but hopeful note for the Jacks. They lost their last two games that they played and had three games in a row canceled due to COVID, but their last action saw them play a top 10 team to the final minute of the game. SFA came into the season feeling like they had one of their best squads ever. Now with three weeks of rest between nonconference and WAC play, they are ready to turn some of that feeling into reality.
WAC play starts against one of the best teams in the nation - Abilene Christian. Yes, you read that right. As a team, ACU ranks near the top in most of the stats that define true team play. Top ten in limiting opponents field goals, top 10 in free throws made per game, top 5 in drawing fouls, #1 in steals. Scoring and scoring defense are both in the top 50. No one player makes the Wildcats work, but as a unit, they can play as good as anyone in the nation.
While the Jacks are licking their wounds with two straight losses, the Wildcats are on an 11 game win streak which started with a gutsy OT win against UTA. Their best win of the season was a game at WAC rival Utah Valley. No real surprise to SFA, but Coryon Mason (6', G, Sr.) is the points leader followed by Makhi Morris (6' 3", G, Sr.). The real surprise is how Cameron Steele (6' 8", F, So.) has been performing over the last couple of games. The young big man has figured out how to score, and will be a prime target for Kensmil and Solomon.
ACU looks good on paper, but they have also padded their stats with a lot of non-D1 teams. They have trouble scoring against good defenses. Still dealing with Ware's loss, the defensive unit for SFA is going to have to put ACU into a lot of distress. Kalcheries and Posey will have to focus on ball security. Simmons and Steele will not be able to overpower Kensmil and company, but the game will be won by which guard corps handles their business. ACU has the edge there, but our backcourt is starting to coalesce. If they can, then we may get to christen the new Teague Center's locker room with a trademark celebration.
This is a Quad 1 game for the Lumberjacks as determined by the NCAA's NET rankings. It's the only one on the year besides the Kansas loss. Any kind of statement for 2022 will have to be made with a win in Abilene. Since ACU took down UVU, they have the inside track into leading the WAC this year. If SFA wants to get in the driver's seat, then Thursday is a must win.
Axe 'em!
WHEN: JAN 6 (THU) 7:00P.M.
WHERE: Teague Center (Abilene, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
2022 is finally here for Lumberjacks fans, and this means that WAC Conference play can finally get started. 2021 ended on a sour but hopeful note for the Jacks. They lost their last two games that they played and had three games in a row canceled due to COVID, but their last action saw them play a top 10 team to the final minute of the game. SFA came into the season feeling like they had one of their best squads ever. Now with three weeks of rest between nonconference and WAC play, they are ready to turn some of that feeling into reality.
WAC play starts against one of the best teams in the nation - Abilene Christian. Yes, you read that right. As a team, ACU ranks near the top in most of the stats that define true team play. Top ten in limiting opponents field goals, top 10 in free throws made per game, top 5 in drawing fouls, #1 in steals. Scoring and scoring defense are both in the top 50. No one player makes the Wildcats work, but as a unit, they can play as good as anyone in the nation.
While the Jacks are licking their wounds with two straight losses, the Wildcats are on an 11 game win streak which started with a gutsy OT win against UTA. Their best win of the season was a game at WAC rival Utah Valley. No real surprise to SFA, but Coryon Mason (6', G, Sr.) is the points leader followed by Makhi Morris (6' 3", G, Sr.). The real surprise is how Cameron Steele (6' 8", F, So.) has been performing over the last couple of games. The young big man has figured out how to score, and will be a prime target for Kensmil and Solomon.
ACU looks good on paper, but they have also padded their stats with a lot of non-D1 teams. They have trouble scoring against good defenses. Still dealing with Ware's loss, the defensive unit for SFA is going to have to put ACU into a lot of distress. Kalcheries and Posey will have to focus on ball security. Simmons and Steele will not be able to overpower Kensmil and company, but the game will be won by which guard corps handles their business. ACU has the edge there, but our backcourt is starting to coalesce. If they can, then we may get to christen the new Teague Center's locker room with a trademark celebration.
This is a Quad 1 game for the Lumberjacks as determined by the NCAA's NET rankings. It's the only one on the year besides the Kansas loss. Any kind of statement for 2022 will have to be made with a win in Abilene. Since ACU took down UVU, they have the inside track into leading the WAC this year. If SFA wants to get in the driver's seat, then Thursday is a must win.
Axe 'em!
Ryan
Kinnaird Guitars
Kinnaird Guitars
