SFA (9-4, 1-0) vs. Tarleton (7-9, 2-1)
WHEN: JAN 8 (SAT) 7:00P.M.
WHERE: Wisdom Gym (Stephenville, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
The SFA Lumberjacks started out WAC play with a huge win over Abilene Christian last night on the road. And while the victory against last year's SLC champs was a big one, the road is just starting in the new conference season. Up next on a quick turnaround are the Tarleton Texans. The Jacks, who did look a little gassed at times against ACU after their 3 week layoff, will face off against an upstart team with something to prove. Saturday night's game will be another battle.
The Jacks played their most balanced game of the season to pick up their first ever WAC win. Facing double and triple teams all night under the basket, the game came down to guard play, and the whole unit responded. Jossell, Hawkins, and Posey all came up big from the outside while Kensmil and Solomon kept their pressure moving inside. It was the kind of victory that makes a fan dream what the end of the season could be like if this chemistry continues to develop.
Standing in the way of any more backslapping is Tarleton. The Texans can't go to the NCAA tournament because of their transition to D1 play, but that doesn't mean much to them. Their 7-9 record is not impressive, but they have played tough in the tough games they have had. Down 3 at the final media against #20 Michigan and down 4 to #3 Gonzaga with 5:30 left in the game is a kind of stat that feels familiar to SFA fans. The Texans are a strong legitimate team.
When I say team, I mean they are a really good starting five, and that's it. There's no depth to Tarleton. They will play a 6th man for some relief minutes, but otherwise you will face the same five players from whistle to buzzer. There is also no height on the team. Senior guard Montre Gipson (5' 11") is the only player under under 6', but the rest of their players stand between 6' 4" and 6' 6".
So the question is how do they play well with five guys and no height? The answer is familiar - Dannyball. The Texans rely upon their above average defense and burning up tons of clock to look for high percentage shots to win games. Last night's stuffing of Sam Houston, they shot 60% from the field to cruise to the win. And they have players that can score. Tahj Small is their senior leader who put down 28 last night. Freshman Noah McDavid had 17 against Dixie St. while sophomore Freddy Hicks put down 27 in the same game. Gipson scored 27 against South Alabama, and Shamir Bogues (yes that Bogues) scored 17 against Utah Valley. The point is there is no one guy to stop.
Look for SFA to work the fast breaks and push transitions on offense. The bigs will be called upon to play, well, big. Look for Hall to have a bounce back game as well as Kensmil to get a lot of feeds. Guard play, so important against ACU, will be tested again against a team of all tall, fast, and skilled guards. But, depth is going to be so important in this game. SFA is going to have to make Tarleton tired. Tarleton is going to take it slow. Whoever wins that battle of wills wins.
Axe 'em!
WHEN: JAN 8 (SAT) 7:00P.M.
WHERE: Wisdom Gym (Stephenville, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
The SFA Lumberjacks started out WAC play with a huge win over Abilene Christian last night on the road. And while the victory against last year's SLC champs was a big one, the road is just starting in the new conference season. Up next on a quick turnaround are the Tarleton Texans. The Jacks, who did look a little gassed at times against ACU after their 3 week layoff, will face off against an upstart team with something to prove. Saturday night's game will be another battle.
The Jacks played their most balanced game of the season to pick up their first ever WAC win. Facing double and triple teams all night under the basket, the game came down to guard play, and the whole unit responded. Jossell, Hawkins, and Posey all came up big from the outside while Kensmil and Solomon kept their pressure moving inside. It was the kind of victory that makes a fan dream what the end of the season could be like if this chemistry continues to develop.
Standing in the way of any more backslapping is Tarleton. The Texans can't go to the NCAA tournament because of their transition to D1 play, but that doesn't mean much to them. Their 7-9 record is not impressive, but they have played tough in the tough games they have had. Down 3 at the final media against #20 Michigan and down 4 to #3 Gonzaga with 5:30 left in the game is a kind of stat that feels familiar to SFA fans. The Texans are a strong legitimate team.
When I say team, I mean they are a really good starting five, and that's it. There's no depth to Tarleton. They will play a 6th man for some relief minutes, but otherwise you will face the same five players from whistle to buzzer. There is also no height on the team. Senior guard Montre Gipson (5' 11") is the only player under under 6', but the rest of their players stand between 6' 4" and 6' 6".
So the question is how do they play well with five guys and no height? The answer is familiar - Dannyball. The Texans rely upon their above average defense and burning up tons of clock to look for high percentage shots to win games. Last night's stuffing of Sam Houston, they shot 60% from the field to cruise to the win. And they have players that can score. Tahj Small is their senior leader who put down 28 last night. Freshman Noah McDavid had 17 against Dixie St. while sophomore Freddy Hicks put down 27 in the same game. Gipson scored 27 against South Alabama, and Shamir Bogues (yes that Bogues) scored 17 against Utah Valley. The point is there is no one guy to stop.
Look for SFA to work the fast breaks and push transitions on offense. The bigs will be called upon to play, well, big. Look for Hall to have a bounce back game as well as Kensmil to get a lot of feeds. Guard play, so important against ACU, will be tested again against a team of all tall, fast, and skilled guards. But, depth is going to be so important in this game. SFA is going to have to make Tarleton tired. Tarleton is going to take it slow. Whoever wins that battle of wills wins.
Axe 'em!
Ryan
Kinnaird Guitars
Kinnaird Guitars
