Stephen F. Austin State asserted its dominance over Houston Christian, cruising to an 85-67 victory at the William R. Johnson Coliseum. The Lumberjacks' impressive performance was led by Keon Thompson, who scored 16 points to pace the team. Thompson's scoring outburst was part of a balanced attack that saw three Stephen F. Austin players reach double figures, including Lateef Patrick and Narit Chotikavanic, who each added 14 points.
The game was all but over by halftime, as Stephen F. Austin State built a commanding 43-28 lead. The Lumberjacks' stifling defense held Houston Christian to just 28 points in the first half, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Demari Williams, Houston Christian's top scorer, managed 15 points, but it wasn't enough to spark a comeback. Williams was joined by Mambourou Mara and D'Aundre Samuels, who scored 12 and 11 points, respectively, but the Huskies' efforts were ultimately thwarted by Stephen F. Austin's relentless pressure.
In the second half, Stephen F. Austin State continued to pull away, outscoring Houston Christian 42-39. The Lumberjacks' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Thompson and company moving the ball effectively and finding open shots. Patrick's 5 rebounds and Samuels' 7 rebounds and 5 assists were notable performances, but the Lumberjacks' overall team effort was the deciding factor.
The win improves Stephen F. Austin State's record to 18-3, solidifying its position as one of the top teams in the country. While this victory may not have been an upset, it's a significant result for the Lumberjacks' resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 win. However, it's worth noting that the NCAA's quadrant system is designed to evaluate teams based on the quality of their opponents, and this win may not carry as much weight as other victories.
For Houston Christian, the loss drops its record to 8-13, but the game is considered a Quadrant 2 loss, which may not be as damaging to its tournament chances. The Huskies want to bounce back from this defeat and regain momentum in their pursuit of a postseason berth.
As the season progresses, Stephen F. Austin State will aim to build on this win and continue to strengthen its resume. With a strong record and a few notable victories, the Lumberjacks are positioning themselves for a potential tournament run. This win over Houston Christian may not be a marquee victory, but it's a reflection of the team's depth and ability to take care of business against lesser opponents. As the Lumberjacks move forward, they'll look to leverage this performance into future success and make a lasting impression on the college basketball landscape.