Conference: Southland
Coach: Kyle Keller
Record: 28-6, 14-4 (third in Southland)
Rankings and Ratings:
– Kenpom: 112
– RPI: 108
– AP/USA TODAY: Not ranked
Seeding: Stephen F. Austin is a likely looking at a No. 15 seed since they don’t have a lot of high-quality wins and the mid-major field is strong.
Names you need to know: The trio of Shannon Bogues, Kevon Harris and TJ Holyfield is very solid as all three players can put up points. Big man Leon Gilmore and senior guard Ty Charles are experienced seniors.
Stats you need to know: Tied for No. 18 in the country in field goal percentage at 49 percent, Stephen F. Austin takes high-percentage shots and has a number of different offensive weapons.
Big wins, bad losses: Stephen F. Austin has a road win over LSU on its record while they also barely lost on the road at Missouri and Mississippi State. All three of those teams were at least in NCAA tournament contention this week, so the Lumberjacks can hang with good teams.
How’d they get here?: The Lumberjacks dispatched Central Arkansas, Nicholls and SE Louisiana to win the Southland Conference Tournament.
Outlook: Would you want to face Stephen F. Austin in the NCAA tournament knowing the reputation? Even with a new coach in Keller from those postseason glory days, this is still a dangerous roster with players with NCAA tournament experience. But as a 15 seed, Stephen F. Austin will likely get taken down in the opener.
How do I know you?: Stephen F. Austin made the NCAA tournament in three consecutive years under head coach Brad Underwood before making the CIT last season. The Lumberjacks won a first round game in two of those seasons.