Stephen F. Austin State asserted its dominance over Nicholls State, securing a 79-62 win at the David R. Stopher Gymnasium. The Lumberjacks' impressive performance was fueled by Keon Thompson, who led the team with 20 points. This victory solidifies Stephen F. Austin's position as a strong contender, while Nicholls State's struggles continue.
The Lumberjacks set the tone early, taking a commanding 45-24 lead at halftime. Nicholls State's Jaylen Searles tried to spark a comeback, scoring 22 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Searles' efforts were complemented by Jalik Dunkley and Trae English, who each contributed 12 points, but the Colonels' offense couldn't keep pace with the Lumberjacks' high-powered attack.
Stephen F. Austin's balanced offense was on full display, with Ahamed Mohammed adding 15 points and Chrishawn Christmas chipping in 10 points to go along with his 14 rebounds. The Lumberjacks' ability to distribute the ball and find open shooters allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second half. Despite a stronger second-half performance from Nicholls State, which outscored the Lumberjacks 38-34, the damage had already been done.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Stephen F. Austin winning by 11.5 points, and while the margin of victory was slightly larger than expected, the prediction ultimately proved correct. The Lumberjacks' 17-point win is a reflection of their strength and depth, and they want to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
This matchup was classified as a Quadrant 3 game for both teams, and the outcome will have implications for their respective tournament resumes. For Stephen F. Austin, the win helps to bolster their already impressive record, currently sitting at 16-3. With a net ranking of 86, the Lumberjacks are positioning themselves for a potential tournament bid. On the other hand, Nicholls State's loss drops them to 8-11, and with a net ranking of 215, they must string together some wins to get back into contention.
The significance of this result lies in its impact on the Lumberjacks' tournament chances. With a strong performance against a Quadrant 3 opponent, Stephen F. Austin continues to build a compelling case for a postseason bid. As the season progresses, the Lumberjacks want to maintain their high level of play and secure more quality wins to solidify their position. For now, they can take pride in a dominant performance that showcases their potential as a tournament contender.