'Jacks, Demons Renew Rivalry Thursday on ESPN3
3/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Stephen F. Austin vs. Northwestern State
Thursday, March 5, 2015 • 8:00 p.m.
William R. Johnson Coliseum • Nacogdoches, Texas
Records: SFA (25-4, 15-1 SLC); NSU (17-10, 12-4 SLC)
Live Video: ESPN3
Radio: Q107.7 FM (listen online at Q1077.com)
Live Stats: SFAJacks.com
Twitter Updates: @SFA_MBB
OPENING TIP
Stephen F. Austin hosts its two biggest rivals in the final weekend of the regular season, beginning with Northwestern State on Thursday, March 5. The game against the Demon will be broadcast live on ESPN3, marking the first home ESPN3 appearance for the Lumberjacks this season. Lincoln Rose will have the call with Jim Haller handling color responsibilities.
CRAM THE COLISEUM
Stephen F. Austin is opening the doors to William R. Johnson Coliseum for the final two home games of the season looking to "Cram the Coliseum." Free tickets to both Thurday and Saturday's games are available at locations all over Nacogdoches as well as the SFA Fieldhouse and the men's basketball office. In addition to the free tickets, there will be a number of promotions taking place Thursday, including the Citizen's First Bank Mega Cash Scramble. One fan will get a chance to win $5,000 for making a half court shot in the Chevy Chase Money Shot and another will have a chance to win free Whataburger for the year. In addition, Chief Caddo will be making an appearance at the Coliseum for fans to take pictures with and the SLC champion SFA track and field teams will be on hand to sign autographs beginning at 7:30 p.m.
LUMBERJACKS AMONG NATION'S ELITE
SFA joined an elite group Monday night as the win over Incarnate Word was the Lumberjacks' 25th victory of the season, giving them three-straight years of at least 25 wins. The `Jacks are one of only four teams in the nation to accomplish that feat, joining Arizona, Duke, Gonzaga and Wichita State, with five other schools (Kansas, Louisiana Tech, Louisville, Ohio State and VCU) in position to join the club.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
With SFA's win over the Cardinals Monday, the Lumberjacks improved to 15-1 in Southland Conference play, leading Sam Houston State by one game and Northwestern State by three. The `Jacks have clinched at worst the #2 seed in the upcoming Southland Conference tournament in Katy while a victory over the rival Demons would give SFA at least a share of the 2014-15 Southland Conference regular season crown.
SFA vs. NORTHWESTERN STATE
Stephen F. Austin and Northwestern State meet for the 122nd time Thursday evening with the Demons holding a 65-56 record in the all-time series. The Lumberjacks have won the last four meetings between the two rivals, including a 93-82 victory in Natchitoches on February 9th. SFA is 35-20 all-time against Northwestern State in Nacogdoches and has won five of the last six against the Demons at William R. Johnson Coliseum, including last year's 70-68 thriller capped by Jacob Parker's steal and dunk with 0.3 seconds remaining.
SCOUTING THE DEMONS
Northwestern State enters Thursday night's game with a record of 17-10 on the season and 12-4 in Southland Conference play, sitting third in the SLC standings. The Demons enter the game as one of the hottest teams in the conference, winners of five-straight and 10 of their last 11, the only blemish on that mark being the 93-82 loss to the Lumberjacks at Prather Coliseum. Northwestern State is led by one of the top guard tandems in the country made up by junior Jalan West and sophomore Zeek Woodley. West is among the nation's leaders in assists, averaging 7.4 per game, while averaging 18.8 points per game offensively. Woodley is the conference's leading scorer at 22.7 points per game, shooting 56.6 percent from the floor and averaging 4.8 rebounds.
THE LAST MEETING
Stephen F. Austin used a second half surge to pull away from rival Northwestern State 93-82 at Prather Coliseum. The Lumberjacks were led by Ty Charles' career-high 19 points, finishing 7-of-14 from the floor, with Jacob Parker and Thomas Walkup each contributing 16 points in the victory. Tanner Clayton was the fourth Lumberjack to finish in double figures, posting a season-high 13 points. Leading by just one at halftime at 42-41, SFA used a surge midway through the second half to build a double-digit lead, thanks in part to its 53.3 percent shooting from the floor.
LAST TIME OUT
The Lumberjacks are coming off an 83-62 victory over Incarnate Word Monday evening, the `Jacks' 12th-straight home victory. Thomas Walkup led the way with his third double-double of the season, recording 23 points and a career-best 13 assists while going a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line to set a new personal-best.
COMING IN HOT
The final two games of the regular season feature the three hottest teams in the Southland Conference, as well as the top three in the SLC standings. Number one Stephen F. Austin, number two Sam Houston State and number three Northwestern State each head into the weekend posting a 9-1 record in their last 10 games.
SENDING A MESSAGE
SFA heads into the weekend ranked ninth nationally in scoring margin, averaging 14.9 points per victory. The Lumberjacks have won by double digits in 22 of their 25 victories in 2014-15, including a 51-point victory over Central Arkansas, a 37-point win over Arkansas Tech and a 36-point win against Houston Baptist.
LOOKING AHEAD
SFA closes out the 2014-15 regular season with arch rival Sam Houston State on Saturday, March 7, tipping at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN3. Pending the results of Thursday's action, the game against the Bearkats could well determine the 2014-15 Southland Conference regular season champion and the number one overall seed in the 2015 Southland Conference tournament in Katy.
