NACOGDOCHES, Texas _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears will have to shift gears quickly before their second Southland Conference game on Wednesday night against Stephen F. Austin.

UCA will have to adjust from facing the highest-scoring team in the league in Lamar last Saturday, to going up against the stingiest one in SFA (9-4, 0-1). The Lumberjacks, who preach defense first and foremost, lead the league in points allowed (52.3), field goal percentage defense (38.1) and three-point percentage defense (26.4). If that’s not enough, they allow their opponents a league-low 30.1 rebounds and are second in turnover margin.

“If we shoot the ball like we did the other night against Lamar, taking quick shots, we’re going to be in trouble,’ said UCA head coach Corliss Williamson. “They don’t give up a lot of offensive rebounds. They make you grind it out. And our players, we’re not as physical as we need to be, so we have to get some movement, push the ball, try to get some points in transition and in our early offense, because halfcourt is going to be tough for us.’

The Bears (4-10, 0-1), who nearly knocked off Big 12 Oklahoma last week in their final non-conference tuneup, dropped their SLC opener at home to Lamar, losing 99-75. Four players hit double figures but the Bears gave up an 11-1 scoring run late in the first half and trailed the rest of the way.

“ I think after the loss the other night, our guys are a little embarrassed and ready to get back in the gym,’ said Williamson. “I really think the focus will be there tomorrow. We just have to adjust our game plan as to how we are going to attack them. But I expect our guys to come out and compete.’

UCA has the luxury of having already played two games in SFA’s Johnson Coliseum this season as part of the Etech Lumberjack Classic in early December. That, and having one conference game behind them, should help the Bears, according to Williamson.

“I thought our guys were nervous(against Lamar) and I thought we got away from what we had been successful with early in the year,’ said Williamson. “I think having that first game under our belt, we should be able to settle down and re-focus on what we need to do to do well as a team.

“We can’t play another team’s game, their style of basketball. We have to play the way we’re trying to play at Central Arkansas.’

The Bears return home Saturday when they host Northwestern State at 4 p.m. at the Farris Center.