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    SFA Gunning for Sixth Straight
    Lumberjacks put winning streak on line at McNeese State
    Senior guard Keith Hardaway
    Senior guard Keith Hardaway

    Jan. 12, 2007

    NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Red-Hot in January: The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack basketball team has started the new year off right, winning three straight games to open Southland Conference play. The trio of league wins gives SFA a five-game winning streak that dates back to Dec. 22. SFA (10-5, 3-0) will try to make it six in a row Saturday, when the Lumberjacks travel to Lake Charles, La., to take on McNeese State. The game against the Cowboys (6-10, 1-1) is slated to start at 3 p.m. from Burton Coliseum.

    Last Game: SFA knocked off Lamar, 73-72, in overtime Thursday, marking SFA's first OT win since a 77-70 decision against Sam Houston State in the 2002-03 season. It was the Lumberjacks' first overtime win on the road since the 1996-97 season. Sophomore forward Josh Alexander scored 17 points, including the deciding basket in overtime, and grabbed eight rebounds to lead SFA in both categories. Junior forward Kyle Jacobs posted career-highs in points (14) and rebounds (8) for SFA. The Lumberjacks overcame a 36-percent shooting night and 29 points from Lamar's James Davis -- the leading scorer in the SLC -- by hustling to force 21 Cardinal turnovers and grabbing 17 offensive rebounds against the top rebounding team in the conference.

    vs. McNeese State: McNeese State holds a 35-33 edge over SFA in the all-time series. The Lumberjacks are 6-7 against the Cowboys under head coach Danny Kaspar. SFA has won four of the last five contests, including a season sweep last year, followed by a win in the first round of the SLC Tournament. Prior to SFA's 82-76 victory at McNeese last year, the Lumberjacks had not won a game in Lake Charles since the 1999-2000 season.

    The Cowboys: McNeese State is 6-10 on the season and 1-1 in Southland Conference action. The Cowboys are coming off a 59-58 overtime victory against Sam Houston State that broke a three-game losing streak. McNeese State is under the direction of first-year head coach Dave Simmons.

    The Coaches: Danny Kaspar is in his seventh season as the head basketball coach at SFA. Kaspar is 103-81 (.560) in his time with the Lumberjacks. He is 322-133 (.708) in 15 seasons as a collegiate head coach. McNeese State head coach Dave Simmons is 6-10 (.600) in his debut campaign with the Cowboys and is 33-39 (.846) for his career.

    Up Next: The Lumberjacks will host rival Sam Houston State in a pivotal SLC West Division matchup. The game against the Bearkats is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 18, and will be SFA's lone contest next week.

    • For complete notes, click the Game Notes link in the side bar of the Men's Basketball home page.

    - SFA -