NACOGDOCHES, Texas- Stephen F. Austin continues conference play when they host the UT Arlington Mavericks on Saturday, January 6th. at the William R. Johnson Coliseum. The Lumberjacks are coming off an 85-78 win over UTRGV and improving to 9-5 overall and 2-1 in WAC play.
Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. CT at William R. Johnson Coliseum. The first 250 fans will receive a block charger. The Lumberjack Eats Concessions Team is continuing its Game Day Specials adding a Big Axe Burger to the concession menu featuring bacon and macaroni and cheese on a brioche bun.
A Look at the Series:
This will be the 63rd matchup between the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and the UT Arlington Mavericks. SFA is trailing 32-30 in the series, dating back to SFA’s 71-59 win over the Mavericks in the 19859-60 season. Since joining the WAC in 2021, SFA is 1-1 against UTA.
A Look at SFA:
The Lumberjacks have won four straight games, their longest winning streak of the season. SFA resumed their conference season with an 85-78 win over the UTRGV Vaqueros. The Lumberjacks improved to 9-5 overall and 2-1 in WAC conference play. The Vaqueros fell to 4-10 overall and 0-3 in the WAC.
Juhlawnei Stone extended his streak of 20 consecutive field goals made, going 2-for-2 from the field with five points at UTRGV. His streak started vs. New Mexico State. The junior forward hit his last 4 shots against the Aggies, went 3-for-3 vs New Orleans and 11-for-11 vs Paul Quinn.
Staine finished as SFA’s leading scorer at UTRGV, tying his career high 21 points. Junior forward Nana Antwi-Boasiako was the second leading scorer for SFA with 17 points, going 6-for-6 from the field and six rebounds. Staine and Nana combined for 38 points and contributed to SFA’s 60 total bench points. The Lumberjacks were led defensively by Chrishawn Christmas’ four steals. Stephen F. Austin posted 12 total steals and forced the Vaqueros into 20 turnovers. SFA also converted from the free throw line as they shot 29-for-36 (80.6%).
SFA currently ranks number one in the WAC for five different statistical categories. The ‘Jacks are number one in bench points (40.86, 5th NCAA), first in FG percentage defense (39.9%, 51st NCAA), first in offensive rebounding per game (13.36, 36th NCAA), first in steals per game (10.2, 13th NCAA), first in steals per game (10.1, 14th NCAA), and first in turnovers forced per game (18.86, 3rd NCAA).
Sadaidriene Hall is the leading scorer for the Lumberjacks. He is currently averaging 10.2 points per game on 49.6% shooting from the field. Hall also leads the team in rebounding with his 5.2 rebounds per game.
A Look at UTA:
UTA is currently 6-8 (1-2 WAC) and is coming off a closely contested 78-76 loss to the Tarleton Texans. The Mavericks allowed Tarleton to shoot 12-for-21 (57.1%) from behind the arc. UTA had four scorers finish in double digits and were led by Makaih Williams’ 24-point performance. UT Arlington shot 24-for-51 (47.1%) from the field and finished 9-for-24 (37.5%) from behind the arc.
The Mavericks are 0-4 in their last four matchups, including losses to Texas (79-62), North Texas (78-52), and Texas Tech (77-66). UT Arlington’s last win came on December 16th against Air Force. It was a 76-73 win that was led by Phillip Russell’s season debut 28-point performance.
The Mavericks are led by Shemar Wilson who is the team’s leader in scoring (13.1 ppg) and rebounding (7.9 rpg). Phillip Russell is averaging 15.0 points per game for the Mavericks but has only played in five games this season. Russell is also averaging team highs in assists per game (4.4) and steals per game (1.4).
SFA’s Next Matchup:
Stephen F. Austin will be back on the road for the next two games to face the Utah Tech Trailblazers in Burns Arena. Tip-off will be at 8:00 p.m. CT on January 11th. The Trailblazers currently stand at 6-8 and are 2-1 in WAC play. After their matchup with Utah Tech, SFA will continue their roadtrip to Southern Utah on January 13th.
Tickets for all home games are available at WWW.SFATICKETS.com plus you can tune into ESPN+ or visit Q107.7 FM radio with the “Voice of the Lumberjacks” Rob Meyers.
By: Jace Green, Assistant for Strategic Communications