SFA Looking for Seventh Straight Win
1/17/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 17, 2007
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Lucky Number Seven: The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack basketball team will try to improve on its longest winning streak in four seasons Thursday when it hosts Southland Conference West Division rival Sam Houston State. The game against the Bearkats (11-6, 3-1) is set for a 7 p.m. tip from the William R. Johnson Coliseum. The Lumberjacks (11-5, 4-0) are riding a six-game win streak that is tied for the longest current run in the conference and is the longest at SFA since the 'Jacks won 13 in a row during the 2002-03 season. SFA is the lone 4-0 team in the SLC, the best conference start for the Lumberjacks since opening league play with 10 straight victories in 2002-03.
Last Game: SFA completed a road trip sweep of a pair of SLC East foes with a 67-53 victory over McNeese State on Saturday. The Lumberjacks opened a big lead early by shooting 65 percent in the first half -- the best first-half shooting percentage SFA has posted this year. SFA led by 12 at the half. McNeese tied the game with an early rally in the second half, but was unable to take the lead and the Lumberjacks steadily built their advantage down the stretch. Sophomore center Matt Kingsley scored 12 points and pulled down five rebounds. Senior guard Will Johnson scored a career-high 12 points to tie Kingsley for the team lead. Sophomore forward Josh Alexander added 10 points and a team-best seven rebounds, the second time in as many games he has led the Lumberjacks in rebounding.
vs. Sam Houston State: SFA holds a 96-84 advantage over the Bearkats in a series that dates back to 1925. At 180 meetings, it is the most-played series in SFA basketball history. The teams have played each other an average of 2.2 times per season. With 14 meetings in the last six seasons, the Bearkats have also been the most frequent SFA opponent since Danny Kaspar became the Lumberjacks' head coach in 2000. SFA is 5-9 in that stretch and has won four of the last seven meetings.
The Bearkats: Sam Houston State is 11-6 overall, one of just four SLC teams -- including the Lumberjacks -- to have won 10 or more games this season. The Bearkats compiled an 8-5 non-conference record and are out to a 3-1 start in Southland play. Their only defeat in their last six games was a one-point overtime loss to McNeese State last Thursday.
The Coaches: Danny Kaspar is in his seventh season as the head basketball coach at SFA. Kaspar is 104-81 (.562) in his time with the Lumberjacks. He is 323-133 (.708) in 15 seasons as a collegiate head coach. Sam Houston State is coached by Bob Marlin. Marlin is 149-99 (.601) in eight years with the Bearkats. In 13 years as a collegiate head coach, he has posted a 272-133 (.672) record.
Up Next: The Lumberjacks have the weekend off before returning to action on Jan. 25 for a road game against Texas State. The contest against the Bobcats is slated for a 7 p.m. start in San Marcos, Texas.
• For complete notes, click the Game Notes link in the side bar of the Men's Basketball home page.
- SFA -
