Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (19-12) vs Dixie State Trailblazers (13-18)
Game Info: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 11:00 pm (Orleans Arena)
Betting Odds: Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks -3 -- Over/Under: 149.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Utah Tech Trailblazers and Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks will meet in Las Vegas to face off in the first round of the WAC Tournament at the Michelob Ultra Arena on ESPN+. SFA has won both meetings by double figures.
Utah Tech closed at 13-18 following a home loss to Grand Canyon. The Trailblazers trailed at the break and they’d end falling to the Antelopes by ten, 71-61. UTU is scoring 75.5 points per game, while allowing 73.2 ppg, and shooting 45.6% from the floor.
Utah Tech lost five of their last seven games, and they’ll look to avoid falling to SFA for the second time this season. Senior guard Cameron Gooden scored 16 points or more in six of the last eight games, and he leads UTU in scoring (16.1) and assists (3.4). Junior guard Isaiah Pope led the team with 22 points in their final win over Seattle last week, and he’s up to 13.2 ppg Sophomore big Tanner Christensen leads the Trailblazers in rebounding (7.1), while scoring 10.0 ppg.
Stephen F. Austin finished at 19-12 following a road loss to Utah Valley. The Lumberjacks were blitzed in both halves by the Wolverines, and fell by a massive margin, 113-69. SFA scores 75.8 points per game, while allowing 69.6 ppg, and shooting 47.4% from the field.
Stephen F. Austin has been competitive once again this season, and they’ll look to end a two-game skid here. Sophomore Sadaidriene Hall double-doubled in two of the last three games, and he leads SFA in scoring (13.1) and rebounding (6.7). Senior guard Nigel Hawkins scored 20 points or more in the last three regular season games and he’s up to 11.3 ppg. Sophomore guard Latrell Jossell scored 17 points in the first win over UTU, and he’s averaging an identical 11.6 ppg.
UTU is 16-11-1 against the spread this season, with a 15-13 over/under record. SFA is 15-11-2 ATS this year, with a 16-11-1 o/u record.
This feels like another spot to trust the pedigree in and Stephen F. Austin is worthy of some trust here. The Lumberjacks have been competitive this season, and they have a dark horse chance to win the entire tournament if they can advance here. Utah Tech struggled throughout conference play, especially down the stretch, and they can be targeted one final time. Take SFA’s spread for this first round matchup.
Corey’s Pick SFA -3
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
