Busting Brackets
Fansided

Mid-major Basketball power rankings: Dayton, Gonzaga and ETSU rises up

By Tristan Freeman

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 01: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs steals possession of the ball in the second half against the Utah State Aggies at Viejas Arena on February 01, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 01: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs steals possession of the ball in the second half against the Utah State Aggies at Viejas Arena on February 01, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
16 of 25
Next
HONOLULU, HI – DECEMBER 23: The Stephen F. Austin bench (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
HONOLULU, HI – DECEMBER 23: The Stephen F. Austin bench (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

10. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (27-3, 18-1 Southland)

In the last several years, health has determined how the Southland has gone. If injuries were a factor, then the league was up for grabs. When the Lumberjacks have been healthy overall, they’ve absolutely dominated the rest of the competition. That’s the case this season, with just one game left in the regular season. Stephen F. Austin’s only loss in the last couple of months was at home in a 73-72 stunner to Texas A&M Corpus Christie.

But the most important feat by this team this season clearly has to be the 85-83 overtime upset win over Duke. It’s one of the best wins in program history and could help make an at-large argument for the Lumberjacks if they don’t win the conference tournament somehow. Although, their metrics aren’t good and another Quad 4 loss would likely doom them.

But Stephen F. Austin should be in a good spot to win the Southland Tournament. Led by likely Conference Player of the Year Kevon Harris (17.5 ppg and 5.8 rpg), the Lumberjacks have a top-10 scoring offense that is simply too much for the rest of the conference. Teams such as Sam Houston State. Abilene Christian and Nicholls State will pose a threat but look for the Lumberjacks to win and be a popular upset pick in a potential 12/5 matchup.

Home/Mid Major Conferences