 (2-0, 0-0) |
VS. |
 (1-1, 0-0) |
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Friday, November 19,2010 | 7:00 p.m.
United Spirit Arena | Lubbock, TX
TV: None | Radio: Affiliates
SFA: The Lumberjacks are 2-0, but have beaten the likes of the Howard Payne Lumberjacks and the Longwood Lancers. I have no idea who or where or what the Longwood Lancers are, but the jokes and puns are inevitable with a university and mascot named like this. Nevertheless, SFA has two blowout wins, both at home. Because both of their wins have been big wins, the scoring is a bit skewed in that just about every player has contributed in some form or fashion.
Texas Tech: I complained a bit about the defense after Tuesday's game and right now, the Red Raiders sit at 84th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency. That's got to be better if this team even wants to sniff the NCAA Tournament. As I mentioned before the season started, the good defensive teams in the Big 12 make the NCAA Tournament (i.e. top 30 or 40). It's science.
SFA: SFA is leaning heavily on C Jereal Scott (6-7/230), who is averaging 21 points and 7 rebounds thus far this season. And Scott is also averaging 7 free throws a game (those are makes) then I think we can expect SFA to not only lean heavily on Scott, but to try to get the now fairly depleted Texas Tech frontcourt into foul trouble.
Texas Tech: If PF D`Walyn Roberts is still out with a bad back, then PF Robert Lewandowski must be a bigger factor. I wrote after the UNT game that he wasn't much of a factor at all and got into early foul trouble that led to Lew being a fairly insigificant part of the game despite his team needing him to play up to his potential.
SFA: There's not much to complain about with SFA. With two huge wins, the Lumberjacks are doing quite well in just about every major category.
Texas Tech: How much time do we have. Sure, it's only been two games, but the things that need to improve are simple and about effort and concentration: free throw shooting, rebounding and defense. Seems pretty simple, but then again, it also seems like a lot. At some point, head coach Pat Knight is going to have to make an example out of SF Mike Singletary, whether he likes it or not. Maybe not this game, but at some points it's going to happen.