Stephen F. Austin State Cruises Past Lamar 84-74

Stephen F. Austin State asserted its dominance in the conference with a 84-74 victory over Lamar at the William R. Johnson Coliseum. The Lumberjacks, now 21-3, were led by Lateef Patrick's 20 points, while Keon Thompson added 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists. The win marked a strong performance by Stephen F. Austin State, who controlled the tempo from the start, taking a 46-34 lead into halftime.

Braden East of Lamar put up a valiant effort, scoring 33 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Lumberjacks' balanced attack. Stephen F. Austin State's Kam Burton also chipped in with 14 points, showcasing the team's depth. The Lumberjacks' offense was clicking, with Thompson's 8 assists facilitating the scoring.

The game unfolded with Stephen F. Austin State taking an early lead, which they maintained throughout the first half. Lamar tried to mount a comeback in the second half, outscoring the Lumberjacks 40-38, but it wasn't enough to erase the deficit. The Lumberjacks' lead was never seriously threatened, as they cruised to a 10-point victory.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Stephen F. Austin State winning by 13.6 points, and while the actual margin was slightly lower at 10 points, the prediction was still correct. The Lumberjacks' win was a reflection of their strength, and they continue to solidify their position in the conference.

The win has real consequences for Stephen F. Austin State's tournament resume. As a Q4 win, it may not be the most impressive victory, but it's still a conference win that helps to bolster their record. For Lamar, the loss is a Q2 defeat, which could impact their chances of making a push for the tournament. With a current net ranking of 198, Lamar needs to string together some wins to improve their standing.

The victory for Stephen F. Austin State, with a current net ranking of 80, keeps them on track for a strong tournament seed. As the season enters its final stretch, the Lumberjacks want to build on this win and continue to assert their dominance in the conference. With their depth and balanced attack, they're a team to watch in the coming weeks.