Natchitoches, LA- The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (2-1, 0-0) traveled to Prather Coliseum to face their longtime rival Northwestern State (1-2, 0-0). SFA won the contest 96-70 and improved their series record to 41-35.
Sadaidriene Hall and Matt Hayman got the scoring started for the ‘Jacks as SFA took 5-0 lead with 17:34 in the first half. The Lumberjacks would continue their offensive potency as they went on a 23-5 run to begin the game. Matt Hayman led the ‘Jacks in scoring through the bulk of the half as he posted eight points on 3-4 shooting, one rebound, and two steals with 9:00 left in the opening half.
At the end of the first 20 minutes, SFA held a 48-36 lead over the Demons. Jalil Beaubrun scored 10 points in the first half which tied his career high against UTRGV last season. Sadaidriene Hall finished as the ‘Jacks leading scorer at the end of the half. Hall posted 12 points on 4-6 shooting, two rebounds and one assist. The Lumberjack’s high intensity defense forced the Demons into a 12-for-31 (38.7%) shooting performance to begin the game.SFA came out of halftime with the same offensive consistency as they got their lead up to 22 points early in the second half. With 15:37 in the final half SFA led 63-41. The Lumberjack’s offense continued to shine bright throughout the rest of the night as SFA got the lead up to 29. Stephen F. Austin never looked back as they trounced the Demons 96-70.
Head Coach Kyle Keller highlighted the offense saying, “anytime you shoot as well as we did tonight, you should win”. The Lumberjacks finished the game shooting 63.2% from the field and 45% from behind the three-point line. “I think the key to our team is strength in numbers” said Coach Keller. Sadaidriene Hall (21), Matt Hayman (17), Chrishawn Christmas (13) and Jalil Beaubrun (10) all finished in double-digit scoring for the Lumberjacks.
SFA’s defense forced 19 turnovers that included 12 steals. Matt Hayman led the ‘Jacks defensively as he added six steals to his 17 points, three assists and five rebounds. Sadaidriene Hall finished as the leading scorer for the Lumberjacks. Hall posted 21 points, four rebounds, and one assist. Northwestern State was held to a 32.8% shot percentage from the field that include a 25% shooting percentage from the three-point line.
The Lumberjacks will look to carry over their momentum over to the Cayman Islands for the Cayman Island Classic, on November 19th. SFA will open against Loyola Marymount University and will play two more games in the tournament before traveling back to Nacogdoches.
By: Jace Green, Assistant for Strategic Communications