As the college basketball season heats up, Nicholls State finds itself in a precarious position, needing quality wins to build a tournament resume. With a NET ranking of 231 and a quad record of 0-4 in Q1 games, the Colonels are running out of opportunities to make a statement. Their upcoming matchup against Stephen F. Austin State, ranked 84 in the NET, presents a chance to do just that. However, the Lumberjacks' impressive 18-3 record and 11-1 conference mark make them a formidable opponent.
Stephen F. Austin's recent form has been impressive, with a three-game win streak and a perfect 11-0 record in Q4 games. The Lumberjacks' ability to dominate weaker opponents will be put to the test against Nicholls, who has shown flashes of competitiveness in their 7-5 conference record. According to the CHD Scout prediction, Stephen F. Austin is favored to win by 9.1 points, with Nicholls having just a 20.4% chance of pulling off the upset.
CHD Scout Prediction
Stephen F. Austin
77
Nicholls
68
Given the stakes, this Quad 3 matchup takes on added importance for both teams. A win for Nicholls would be a significant boost to their tournament hopes, while a loss would all but extinguish their chances. For Stephen F. Austin, a victory would solidify their position as a tournament contender. With no notable player momentum to speak of, this game will come down to which team can execute their game plan more effectively. I predict Stephen F. Austin will emerge victorious, 77-68, behind their strong overall record and recent form, which should prove too much for Nicholls to overcome.