BURN THE HORSE
UALR will take on Stephen F. Austin in its first closed
scrimmage all day today in Shreveport. Per NCAA rules, the scrimmage is closed
to both media and the public and coaches are not permitted to discuss the
results.
While fans may not like the closed nature of the games, the
coaches love it. And it’s more than just an exhibition game. Yes, they’ll
likely play a full game. But they’ll also be able to work through scenarios set
up by both coaching staffs.
To prepare, UALR practiced at 5 a.m. on Thursday morning and
left Thursday night for Shreveport. The Trojans will not be at full strength
going in. It appears they’ll be without sophomore forward Gus Leeper and junior
forward Will Neighbour, who are out with injuries. Neighbour appears the more
likely of the two to see some action.
Also out is freshman guard Mareik Isom, who has struggled with
injuries since the summer. It appears likely that Isom will have surgery and
redshirt this season.
Stephen F. Austin will provide a good test for UALR. The
Jacks feature two preseason first team All-Southland Conference players in
senior guard Antonio Bostic and senior forward Taylor Smith. SFA was picked
second in the preseason Southland poll behind Horal Roberts by both coaches and
sports information directors. SFA did receive 3 of 10 first-place votes in the
coaches’ poll and 4 of 10 in the SID poll.
UALR's season opener is two weeks from tonight against Tennessee-Martin.
UALR's season opener is two weeks from tonight against Tennessee-Martin.
