Stephen F. Austin Holds Off Northwestern State 69-67

Stephen F. Austin State extended its impressive season with a 69-67 win over Northwestern State at the William R. Johnson Coliseum. The Lumberjacks, now 18-3, were led by Keon Thompson's outstanding performance, as he scored 27 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Thompson's efforts were crucial in securing the win, especially considering Northwestern State's strong second-half push.

At halftime, Stephen F. Austin held a 37-32 lead, with Thompson already having made his mark on the game. However, Northwestern State refused to back down, and Chip Brunt's 19 points paced the Demons' comeback attempt. Brunt's scoring was complemented by Micah Thomas's 18 points and 5 assists, as well as Willie Williams's double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. Despite these impressive individual performances, the Demons ultimately fell just short.

The game was a closely contested affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the second half. Stephen F. Austin's Lateef Patrick and Narit Chotikavanic provided valuable support to Thompson, scoring 13 and 8 points, respectively. However, it was Thompson who consistently made big plays, helping the Lumberjacks maintain their narrow lead.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Stephen F. Austin winning by 15.9 points, but the actual margin of victory was a slim 2 points. While the Lumberjacks did not cover the predicted spread, they still secured the win, which was the most important outcome. The narrow victory margin is a reflection of Northwestern State's determination and resilience.

This game had real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Stephen F. Austin, the win represents a Quadrant 4 victory, which, although not as valuable as a Quadrant 1 or 2 win, still contributes to their overall strength of schedule. On the other hand, Northwestern State's loss is classified as a Quadrant 2 defeat, which is more respectable given the significant difference in the teams' net rankings. The Demons' net ranking of 299 makes this performance a notable one, and they can build on this effort in future games.

As the season progresses, Stephen F. Austin want to build on this win and continue to bolster its tournament resume. With a strong 18-3 record and a net ranking of 84, the Lumberjacks are well-positioned to make a deep postseason run. This hard-fought victory over Northwestern State demonstrates their ability to persevere in close games, a crucial trait for any team with championship aspirations.