In a shocking turn of events, Stephen F. Austin State pulled off a stunning upset over McNeese State, winning 67-60 at the William R. Johnson Coliseum. This victory is a monumental one for the Lumberjacks, as they took down a Cowboys team that was not only favored to win but also ranked significantly higher in the national rankings. The 7-point margin of victory may not seem like a lot, but considering McNeese State's impressive 18-5 record coming into the game, this win is a huge statement for Stephen F. Austin State.
The Lumberjacks were led by Keon Thompson, who had a phenomenal game with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Thompson's performance was instrumental in securing the win, as he consistently made big plays on both ends of the court. He was supported by Kam Burton and Lateef Patrick, who chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively. On the other side, Tyshawn Archie was the standout player for McNeese State, finishing with 16 points and 6 assists. Jerrell Colbert also had a strong game, posting a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
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The game was closely contested in the second half, with McNeese State making a strong push after trailing 31-19 at halftime. The Cowboys outscored the Lumberjacks 41-36 in the second period, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Stephen F. Austin State's ability to hold off the McNeese State surge was a reflection of their resilience and determination.
Before the game, CHD Scout predicted a 75-69 victory for Stephen F. Austin State, with a margin of 6 points. While the actual score was lower than predicted, the Lumberjacks still managed to cover the spread, winning by 7 points. This result is a significant boost to Stephen F. Austin State's resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 2 win. For McNeese State, the loss is a setback, but it also falls under Quadrant 2, which is still a valuable experience for the Cowboys.
The implications of this result are substantial, particularly for Stephen F. Austin State. With this win, the Lumberjacks improve to 20-3 and bolster their tournament chances. While they still have work to do, this upset victory will undoubtedly grab the attention of the selection committee. For McNeese State, the loss drops them to 18-5, but they remain a strong contender in their conference. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to build on this result and make a push for the postseason. The win for Stephen F. Austin State is a significant one, and it will be interesting to see how they capitalize on this momentum in their upcoming games.