SFA (11-5, 3-0) vs. Grand Canyon (11-4, 2-0)
WHEN: 1/7 (SAT) 2:00P.M.
WHERE: William R. Johnson Coliseum (Nacogdoches, TX)
WATCH: ESPN+
The Lumberjacks knew coming into the season that this week was a monster week for who controls the conference. The Jacks dominated New Mexico State in the mid-week game and now face a tough Grand Canyon team fresh off of beating Sam Houston in overtime. Two of the remaining unbeaten WAC teams vying for early season supremacy. It's going to be a hard fought game.
Bryce Drew's Lopes got their first big win last night that has moved them up into the top 100 in NET and KenPom. This will be the first game all season that the Jacks have even gotten to play someone ranked in the top 100. Both teams are starting to come into their own, and both want to prove that they belong in the top teams in the nation.
Rayshon Harrison (6' 4", So., G) has done as much as anyone to get GCU to where they are this season. He's averaging almost 15 ppg and put down 28 to get the best of the Bearkats on the road. Strong forward Gabe McGlothan (6' 7", Jr.) is chipping in 10 points and almost 10 rebounds a game as well. Jovan Blacksher twisted his ankle on Thursday and it's unclear whether he'll see the court Saturday.
The Lopes do one thing and do it well: force opponents into taking terrible shots. They are a top ten team in the country on stopping two pointers, and they are holding teams (good shooting teams) to 60 points a game. They are excellent at rebounding and will fight under the basket.
The Jacks found out how tough it is to get rebounds from a bigger team in their New Mexico State game. GCU plays bigger - they start a 7' freshman (mainly for intimidation) - but they have a strong defensive guard crew to back up the inside. It's going to be a fight for points.
Hawkins and Jossell are going to have to soften up the defense to help the Jacks make headway. Nana and Hall are going to have to be scrappy and get their bigs in trouble. Our supporting cast is going to have to do that - support. Cajuste with assists, Ware and Posey by defense, Tezeno by being himself.
Last month I don't know if there were many that thought that the Jacks could get to 4-0 in WAC play, but something like real belief has crept into Jack Nation. We're seeing something building and we like it. Saturday's game could be the tipping point.
Axe 'em!
