SFA at Abilene Christian: Q&A with The Optimist

In their first DI season, the Wildcats were 2-12 in the SLC. Then 4-14. Last season they moved the needle to 8-10. What does the final record need to show this season in order to reflect further progress in men's basketball?

Jonathan: Talking to the team before the season, many of the players were extremely optimistic about this season after surprising so many people a year ago. The team got together and set a goal to finish in the top 3 this season, which is still obviously obtainable, but it's going to take a serious spark down the stretch.

I think the biggest thing right now for this team is to compete in every game. No matter who the opponent is, the team wants to go out and give themselves a chance to win late in the game. This is still an incredibly young team with just one senior and three juniors. And last year this team was a totally different story at home, so I expect to see a lot of growth in team of this four-game home stand.

What is a game atmosphere like in Moody Coliseum? Does the student section give the Wildcats a solid home court advantage?

Jonathan: Wildcat Reign prides themselves in creating as hostile as an environment as possible, and if you look at the win loss record for volleyball and basketball over the last two years the winning percentage is fairly impressive. In fact people have began coining the term Moody Magic describe the success. I think for teams visiting, the mistake is often made of taking the atmosphere for granted. Although Moody never really seems to be very full, the noise can be deceiving and the crowd does a good job supporting the home team. And even though this game is being played over the holidays, I expect a good showing from the fans since it will be televised on ESPN3.

As a newcomer in the SLC, who do ACU students consider to be their rival schools? Did ACU fans cheer for, or against, SFA in the NCAA Tournament the past three years?

Jonathan: Any time you enter a new conference, or make a transition like the one ACU made almost four years ago, you tend to lose some of the rivalries you've made over the years in that conference and division. But I think with teams like UIW and even SFA, teams that ACU has played in its history, back in the same conference those rivalries quickly spark back up. And I'm sure you know all it really ever takes is one instant classic game between two teams, or a social media thread to bring some healthy rivalry into the mix.

In terms of SFA playing in the tournament the last few years, there is no question ACU was cheering them on. It's great for the conference as a whole whenever any team gets the opportunity at that level. The more people hear about the Southland Conference the better for everybody.

What is your matchup to watch in this game? Which ACU player should SFA fans most fear? What SFA player most concerns you?

Jonathan: I think people have started to forget about Jaylen Franklin a little bit. He started off the season slow and has been playing through an injury. But last year he shined during conference and he's not afraid of the spotlight, so people should definitely keep an eye on him and his ability to change the game by getting to the rim. You can also never forget about Jovan Crnic, the lone senior. He has a lot of experience and has the potential to really take over the game on both ends of the floor.

As for SFA I think the last several years it has been no question who ACU fans were afraid/excited to watch Thomas Walkup. Now I think ACU needs to be aware of SFA's leading scorers in Ivan Canete and TJ Holyfield. Canete is a serious outside threat and Holyfield is a polished player on both ends of the floor. If either of these guys get comfortable early on against ACU it could cause some problems late in the game.

What is your prediction for this game?

Jonathan: Last year when the two teams met in Abilene, the Wildcats were able to take a three-point lead into the half after a three-point buzzer beater. But in the second half SFA was really able to take control and pull away to a comfortable lead. Then down in Nacogdoches, SFA shot over 70 percent in the first half and the game was all but over at halftime. However, from what I've seen this year SFA is much different team without Walkup and company, and ACU returns a lot of young talent. So if ACU can keep it close in the first half and get the crowd into it, it will have a chance to compete at the end. A win against SFA would really give ACU a lot of confidence the rest of conference play, and SFA is coming off it's first conference loss in almost two years.

I think because this game is in Abilene it'll come down to the wire, and whichever team can come up with the bigger play at that point will come away with the win.