SFA prepares for crucial matchup against UL Monroe
- Stephen F. Austin holds a 4-3 record while UL Monroe is at 3-5.
- The game is a chance for both teams to assess their strengths before the conference season.
- Both teams are in need of a win with SFA looking to break a road losing streak.
In Monroe, Louisiana, Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are set to face the UL Monroe Warhawks in a non-conference game on Friday, November 29, 2024. This game marks the first meeting of the season for both teams, with SFA entering the matchup with a record of 4-3 and UL Monroe slightly trailing at 3-5. The Lumberjacks have struggled on the road, currently holding a record of 0-2 in away games, while the Warhawks have been more successful at home with a 2-1 record. The intensity of non-conference play provides both teams an opportunity to gauge their skills against each other and prepare for upcoming conference challenges. Key players to watch during this matchup include Nana Antwi-Boasiako, who is a crucial scorer for SFA, averaging 12.0 points per game and demonstrating efficiency from beyond the arc with a shooting percentage of 41.4%. Meanwhile, Jalen Bolden leads UL Monroe with an average of 12.9 points per game and contributes significantly on the boards with 5.4 rebounds per game. Both teams vary significantly in their three-point shooting metrics, with UL Monroe averaging 7.1 three-pointers made per game, matching the defensive average of SFA. Conversely, the Lumberjacks have shown a lesser shooting average of 5.7 three-pointers per game. As the matchup approaches, the Warhawks are looking to capitalize on their home court advantage, against the Lumberjacks who aim to break their road losing streak. Additionally, both teams will be keen on improving their statistics, with SFA holding a record of 2-2 against teams that currently have a record over .500. As both squads evaluate their performance in this non-conference setting, the stakes are high not only for individual achievements but also for momentum going into their respective conference schedules. This meeting is not only important for immediate team performance but also for the development of players as they maneuver through the competitive landscape of college basketball. The outcome can influence recruitment, team morale, and set the tone for the rest of the season as teams seek to establish their identities heading into conference play.