Southland Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions
Semifinals
No. 1 Stephen F. Austin vs. No. 5 Northwestern State
In the first semifinal No. 1, Stephen F. Austin battles No. 5 Northwestern State. The Lumberjacks swept the season series against Northwestern State and they did so by putting the clamps down defensively in the first game, giving up just 62 points and allowing just Chudier Bile (26) to score more than eight points in the game. In the second game, the showed their offensive chops winning by 31 with just three players and double figures and nobody scoring more than Kevon Harris’ 18. That is what makes Stephen F. Austin so tough, they can shut teams down defensively and also light up the scoreboard. I think the Lumberjacks make a statement here and win going away.
Prediction: Stephen F. Austin 81 Northwestern State 66
No. 2 Abilene Christian vs. No. 3 Nicholls State
No. 2 seed and defending champ Abilene Christian take on No. 3 Nicholls State in the other semifinal, in a rematch of their only meeting which saw the Wildcats win easily 79-61 after jumping out to a 47-30 halftime lead on Nicholls State. Abilene Christian forced 22 Nicholls State turnovers and were led by senior center Kolton Kohl who had 22 points.
While I don’t think Nicholls State will shoot 3-18 from three-point land again, I also don’t think the Wildcats’ leading scorer Payten Ricks will go 2-11 from the field again. I think the game will be closer than their first meeting, but the result will be the same, Abilene Christian moves on with a chance to defend their title.
Prediction: Abilene Christian 76 Nicholls State 68
Finals
No.1 Stephen F. Austin vs. No. 2 Abilene Christian
The top two seeds in the conference will be facing off for the title, kings of the hill Stephen F. Austin taking on last year’s king Abilene Christian. The Lumberjacks swept the season series by forcing an average of 22.5 turnovers per game against Abilene Christian. But the games were different, in the first game Stephen F. Austin shot the ball well, shooting 50% from the field and 54% from three, winning by 10. In the second game, they shot just 46% from the field, 28% from deep and just over 56% from the free-throw line, squeaking out a five-point win.
Next. Top-25 mid-major power rankings. dark
Stephen F. Austin’s defense will undoubtedly show up in this one, but if shots aren’t falling, this game could be close. In the end, bubble teams rest easy as the Lumberjacks regain their crown and take home the automatic bid.
Prediction: Stephen F. Austin 78, Abilene Christian 71