The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (19-5), the Southland’s top shooting team, will challenge the Nicholls Colonels (7-19) at David R. Stopher Gym. Action begins at 4:30 pm ET on Saturday, Feb. 20.
The Colonels are hoping to rebound after their 69-61 loss to Southeastern Louisiana in their last matchup. Adam Ward had a solid performance, recording nine points, four rebounds, and three blocks for Nicholls. The Lumberjacks, meanwhile, are coming off an 84-46 win against Incarnate Word in their last game. Thomas Walkup had a good game for Stephen F. Austin, accounting for 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
Walkup has upped his play over the last five games for the Lumberjacks, averaging 21.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals.
The Colonels might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they face off against one of the nation’s best defenses. The Lumberjacks rank 12th in defensive efficiency, while Nicholls ranks 340th in offensive efficiency.
Notes
Stephen F. Austin won its last game by a 38-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, Nicholls is 2-8. Stephen F. Austin is 11-1 in blowouts this season.
Ranked 40th, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks have an offensive rating of 113.2. The Nicholls Colonels rank 274th with a defensive rating of just 107.9.
Stephen F. Austin has an average field goal percentage of 48.0% (ranked 25th). Nicholls is a subpar 1-9 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
The Nicholls Colonels rank lower for their field goal percentage (307th) than they do for their effective field goal percentage (303rd), but the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks have a better FG% ranking (25th) than eFG% ranking (29th).
Ranked third in the nation, Stephen F. Austin has an average of 19.0 assists per game. Nicholls ranks lower at 213th with 12.8.
Nicholls, the 70th-ranked team in blocked shots, records an average of 4.4 per game. Stephen F. Austin does worse, ranked 147th with 3.6.
Stephen F. Austin is one of the top teams in forced turnovers, with opponents averaging a TO% of 27.0% (ranked first). Nicholls has a losing record of 1-2 SU this season when its TO% reaches 27.0% or greater.
