Stephen F. Austin State asserted its dominance over Southeastern Louisiana, cruising to an 85-58 victory at the William R. Johnson Coliseum. The Lumberjacks' impressive performance was fueled by a balanced attack, with Keon Thompson pacing the team with 15 points. Kam Burton and Marcus Scurry also made significant contributions, scoring 14 and 12 points, respectively.
The game was all but over by halftime, with Stephen F. Austin taking a commanding 48-23 lead into the break. The Lumberjacks' stifling defense held SE Louisiana to just 23 points in the first half, setting the tone for the rest of the game. While the Lions showed some fight in the second half, scoring 35 points, it was too little, too late. Jalen Forrest led the way for SE Louisiana, scoring 15 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Lumberjacks' impressive team effort.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Stephen F. Austin winning by 13.5 points, but the Lumberjacks far exceeded that margin, ultimately winning by 27. The actual score of 85-58 was a significant departure from the predicted 76-62, a reflection of Stephen F. Austin's strong performance. The Lumberjacks' victory was a decisive one, and it's clear that they are a force to be reckoned with.
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Final
As the season wears on, games like this matters in shaping the tournament landscape. For Stephen F. Austin, this win, although a Quadrant 4 game, helps to bolster their already impressive resume. With a current NET ranking of 91, the Lumberjacks are well-positioned to make a push for the postseason. On the other hand, SE Louisiana, with a NET ranking of 278, faces an uphill battle in terms of tournament chances. This loss, classified as a Quadrant 2 game for the Lions, won't help their cause, but they want to regroup and refocus for their next outing.
The Lumberjacks' 19-3 record is a reflection of their strength and depth, and they want to continue their winning ways in their next game. With a strong team performance like this, Stephen F. Austin is making a compelling case for a tournament bid. As the season enters its final stretch, the Lumberjacks will be a team to watch, and their performance against SE Louisiana is just the latest example of their potential. This win may not have been an upset, but it's a significant one nonetheless, and it will undoubtedly have implications for the Lumberjacks' tournament chances.