Lumberjacks Fall Short to Lopes in 53-51 Loss

Thursday, January 25

Nacogdoches, TX

6:30 p.m.

Stephen F. Austin

12-7,5-3WAC

Grand Canyon University

18-2,8-1WAC

Grand Canyon

SFA

Lumberjacks Fall Short to Lopes in 53-51 Loss

1/25/2024 10:46:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Jace Green, Assistant for Strategic Communications

NACOGDOCHES, Texas- Stephen F. Austin continued their four-game homestand with their much-anticipated matchup against Grand Canyon University.   The Lopes handed the 'Jacks their second loss in SFA's last nine games.  Stephen F. Austin lost 53-51 to Grand Canyon University and fell to 12-7 overall and 5-3 in WAC play.

The Lumberjacks had an opportunity to steal the win away from the Lopes with :05 left in the ball game.  Trailing 52-51, Matt Hayman went for the go-ahead layup, missed and the Lopes secured the rebound.  A quick SFA foul, GCU converted one of two free throws for a 53-51 lead. The Lumberjacks were unable to convert on the long pass down the court and GCU ran the clock out for the win.

Through the first eight minutes of play it was a defensive battle. SFA struggled early converting on two of their first 10 field goal attempts and turned the ball over five times.  The Lumberjacks offense came alive with an 11-0 run led by Lumberjacks guard Latrell Jossell to give SFA their first lead of the night at 17-15, with 7:13 left in the first half.

Stephen F. Austin extended their run to 16-1, before Grand Canyon put a stop to the Lumberjack's offensive attack.  Latrell Jossell knocked down a three-pointer to cap of a slow offensive first half for both teams.  At the end of twenty minutes, SFA led 26-23 heading into halftime.

Going into halftime SFA shot 10-for-29 (34.5%) from the field and 2-for-10 (20%) from the three-point line.  The 'Jacks held the Lopes to 7-for-27 (25.9%) from the field and 2-for-13 (15.4%) from the three-point line.  SFA forced GCU into seven turnovers and had one steal.

Jalil Beaubrun and Latrell Jossell led the 'Jacks with seven points each. Beaubrun led SFA's bench to a 14-point first half performance.

Through the first four minutes of the second half, SFA had two made field goals to GCU's one.  The Lumberjacks led the Lopes through the majority of the second half.  The Lopes found their first lead of the second half when they took a 47-45 lead with 4:49 remaining in the game.

SFA's scoring was led by Latrell Jossell's 14 points on 5-for-11 shooting.  He also posted five assists and two rebounds.  Jalil Beaubrun was the only other Lumberjack in double-digit scoring.  Beaubrun posted his second career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.  It was also his second straight double-double.

SFA finished the night 19-for-56 (33.9%) from the field and 3-for-19 (15.8%) from the three-point line.  The Lumberjacks defense held the Lopes to 15-for-49 from the field (30.6%) and 5-for-21 (23.8%) from the three-point line.  SFA also forced GCU into 16 turnovers.

The Lumberjacks continue their four-game homestand hosting the California Baptist University Lancers (12-7 overall, 5-3 in the WAC) on Saturday, January 27 at the William R. Johnson Coliseum. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. CT.  The first 250 in attendance will receive a SFA plush doll.