Ladyjacks look to push winning streak to eight in battle of unbeatens

Undefeated teams in league play collide on Wednesday in Nacogdoches as the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks and Abilene Christian Wildcats battle for a share of first place in the Southland Conference.

SFA (13-3, 5-0) and ACU (12-4, 6-0) are each riding seven-game winning streaks entering the heavyweight clash. For the both teams, who share a common next opponent - the league's third unbeaten team in Central Arkansas - this represents a monumental week in their bid for a conference championship.

Ladyjacks head coach Mark Kellogg expressed his admiration for the Wildcats' backcourt, perhaps the premiere collection of guard talent in the Southland Conference, during Monday's meeting with the media. "They shoot it unbelievably well from the field and unbelievably well from the three," he said. "They stretch you - they'll put four or five kids out there who can shoot it - and they're unselfish."

ACU, who often fields four guards in their lineups, leads the Southland Conference in assists while their 77.4 points per game rank second in the league. Like SFA, the Wildcats bring a lot of balance to their scoring with three players averaging double figures - Dominique Golightly (13.7), Breanna Wright (13.6) and Sara Williamson (13.1) - and continue to rely on the superb coaching of sixth-year head coach Julie Goodenough to win despite the roster turnover from her league champion team a year ago.

The Ladyjacks will counter with a game plan that capitalizes on shooters like Taylor Jackson, who has emerged over the past weeks as the Ladyjacks' third consistent scorer. Jackson has found double figures in each of her last six games, complementing the duo of forward Stevi Parker and guard Chanell Hayes who each average better than 11 points per game. 

The Ladyjacks’ 76.4 points per game and season-high winning streak are powered by their “mindset and execution,” as Kellogg told reporters this week. Still, though, he continues to point out the wildly inconsistent play between quarters - a trait that hasn't bitten SFA yet in league play, but certainly could without growth in that area against the conference's elite company. 

With ACU on the docket this week and Central Arkansas, the only team with a longer winning streak (8), next, progress isn't optional if the Ladyjacks want to occupy first place at the end of next week.

But on Wednesday, the team with arguably the top backcourt in the Southland Conference will do battle with the team possessing arguably the best frontcourt. It'll be ACU's quickness and shooting prowess versus Stephen F. Austin's size and defensive pressure.

A pair of seven-game winning streaks are on the line. Only one can make it eight-straight on Wednesday night.