SFA (9-5, 1-1) vs. UT-RGV (5-10, 0-3)
WHEN: JAN 11 (TUE) 6:30P.M.
WHERE: William R. Johnson Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
In one of the Jacks' toughest seasons, they have found themselves in a little midseason slump losing three out of the last four games. To be honest though, losing some head scratchers around the New Year's break has kind of been on par for Keller's teams since his first season. However, those losses have not defined those teams nor their seasons. Getting refocused for the long haul of conference play is something that the Jacks have been good at. There's not a lot of reason to think this year will be different.
The loss against Tarleton on Saturday exposed some key flaws that the Jacks are dealing with right now. Ball control and security is a huge issue. The Jacks are averaging 25 turnovers a game in the young WAC season. Kalcheries is offering a full quarter of those TO's himself.
Also noticeable is the lack of defense penetration. Ware's loss seems to have the Jacks looking for someone to dribble-drive to the bucket. The Tarleton and ACU games showed a lot of perimeter passing and shooting while looking for an inlet pass down low but with no one moving through from backcourt to frontcourt. This has allowed the defenses to keep their big defenders in tight. Varying schemes and plays have been used to switch this up, but until we regain someone who pushes interior defenses out of place, it's going to be tough sledding for Kensmil and Solomon.
David has had a rough couple of games, and he can't be everything to this team. But, he kind of is right now. He has to direct, assist, handle cleanly, and penetrate while being a top level defender. No one else has that huge of role. This team is loaded with individual talent, but without Roti as a crutch, right now the team is riding on his shoulders. Jossell and Hawkins are huge as shooting guards and Posey has a lot of pressure to be the next guy, but this time is David's. He's got to shine.
The Vaqueros are ok. The don't do anything great statwise. They play fast and lately they have been jacking up a lot of threes. They foul a lot, they get fouled a lot. They don't defend very well, but they have decent scorers. Southern Miss transfer Justin Johnson (6' 6", G, Jr.) is by far their best offensive weapon but Marek Nelson (6' 7", F, Sr.) is a plus down low. (*Nelson attended the same Christian Academy as Nathan Bain.) Their best game by far was playing #14 Illinois close deep into the game.
This game is going to be about shaking off the rust of the long break. Can we play with confidence and poise? Can we play with intensity but not recklessness? Can we start a new streak to build into this season? I think all the answers are yes. Let's see them start Tuesday night.
Axe 'em!
WHEN: JAN 11 (TUE) 6:30P.M.
WHERE: William R. Johnson Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
In one of the Jacks' toughest seasons, they have found themselves in a little midseason slump losing three out of the last four games. To be honest though, losing some head scratchers around the New Year's break has kind of been on par for Keller's teams since his first season. However, those losses have not defined those teams nor their seasons. Getting refocused for the long haul of conference play is something that the Jacks have been good at. There's not a lot of reason to think this year will be different.
The loss against Tarleton on Saturday exposed some key flaws that the Jacks are dealing with right now. Ball control and security is a huge issue. The Jacks are averaging 25 turnovers a game in the young WAC season. Kalcheries is offering a full quarter of those TO's himself.
Also noticeable is the lack of defense penetration. Ware's loss seems to have the Jacks looking for someone to dribble-drive to the bucket. The Tarleton and ACU games showed a lot of perimeter passing and shooting while looking for an inlet pass down low but with no one moving through from backcourt to frontcourt. This has allowed the defenses to keep their big defenders in tight. Varying schemes and plays have been used to switch this up, but until we regain someone who pushes interior defenses out of place, it's going to be tough sledding for Kensmil and Solomon.
David has had a rough couple of games, and he can't be everything to this team. But, he kind of is right now. He has to direct, assist, handle cleanly, and penetrate while being a top level defender. No one else has that huge of role. This team is loaded with individual talent, but without Roti as a crutch, right now the team is riding on his shoulders. Jossell and Hawkins are huge as shooting guards and Posey has a lot of pressure to be the next guy, but this time is David's. He's got to shine.
The Vaqueros are ok. The don't do anything great statwise. They play fast and lately they have been jacking up a lot of threes. They foul a lot, they get fouled a lot. They don't defend very well, but they have decent scorers. Southern Miss transfer Justin Johnson (6' 6", G, Jr.) is by far their best offensive weapon but Marek Nelson (6' 7", F, Sr.) is a plus down low. (*Nelson attended the same Christian Academy as Nathan Bain.) Their best game by far was playing #14 Illinois close deep into the game.
This game is going to be about shaking off the rust of the long break. Can we play with confidence and poise? Can we play with intensity but not recklessness? Can we start a new streak to build into this season? I think all the answers are yes. Let's see them start Tuesday night.
Axe 'em!
Ryan
Kinnaird Guitars
Kinnaird Guitars
