Stephen F. Austin State secured a hard-fought 84-79 victory over New Orleans at Lakefront Arena, with Lateef Patrick leading the charge. The Lumberjacks' star scored 29 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, pacing his team to their 18th win of the season. New Orleans, despite a valiant effort, fell to 7-13 on the year.
The first half saw both teams trade baskets, with neither able to gain a significant advantage. At halftime, the score was knotted at 41-41, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. New Orleans' Jakevion Buckley was instrumental in keeping his team afloat, scoring 24 points and dishing out 7 assists. However, Patrick's consistent scoring and the supporting cast of Keon Thompson, who added 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Chrishawn Christmas, who chipped in 14 points, proved too much for the Privateers to overcome.
As the second half unfolded, Stephen F. Austin State began to pull away, fueled by a series of clutch shots and defensive stops. New Orleans refused to back down, with Coleton Benson scoring 17 points and Churchill Abass contributing 13 points and 9 rebounds. Despite their best efforts, the Privateers were unable to close the gap, ultimately falling by a margin of 5 points.
The win marks a quality victory for Stephen F. Austin State, as they continue to build their resume. This matchup was classified as a Quadrant 3 game for both teams, and the Lumberjacks' ability to emerge victorious on the road will undoubtedly be viewed favorably by the selection committee. With a current net ranking of 84, Stephen F. Austin State is solidifying its position as a potential tournament contender.
For New Orleans, the loss, while not unexpected, still stings. As a Quadrant 3 game, this was an opportunity for the Privateers to bolster their own tournament hopes. Although they fell short, the performance of Buckley and his supporting cast offers reason for optimism. With a current net ranking of 238, New Orleans faces an uphill battle in its pursuit of a postseason berth.
In the end, Stephen F. Austin State's victory was a reflection of the team's depth and resilience. As the season wears on, the Lumberjacks want to build on this win, leveraging their strong performance to make a push for a tournament bid. For New Orleans, the focus will shift to regrouping and preparing for the challenges ahead, with the hope of stringing together a series of wins to revive their fading tournament aspirations. The outcome of this game may not have significant upset implications, but it undoubtedly leaves a lasting impact on the resumes of both teams.