The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are in the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season after winning the Southland Conference Tournament. Can they get their second tourney win in school history this year? Here's everything you need to know about Stephen F. Austin:
Resume:
Record – 27-5 (18-0 in Southland)
RPI – 75
Strength of Schedule – 281
Starting Lineup:
G Trey Pinkney (Sr.) – 2.7 ppg, 3.6 apg
G Demetrious Floyd (Sr.) – 13.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg
G Ty Charles (So.) – 9.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg
G Thomas Walkup (Sr.) – 17.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.5 apg
F T.J. Holyfield (Fr.) - 7.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg
Key Player:
Thomas Walkup
Walkup is one of the best all-around guards in the country, leading the Lumberjacks in points, rebounds, and assists. He doesn't shoot the ball well from the outside, but he's excellent at attacking the rim and finishing around the basket, allowing him to shoot an otherworldly 59.8 percent from the field.
Biggest Strength:
Offense
Stephen F. Austin doesn't have much size on the court with their four-guard lineup, but they are one of the best offensive teams in the country. They're 21st in the country in points per game (80.7), ninth in field goal percentage (48.7 percent from the field) and are second in assists per game (18.9).
Biggest Weakness:
Rebounding
Their lack of size hurts Stephen F. Austin on the glass, where they 306th in defensive rebounding and 221st overall. This is the one area their four guard lineup can be exploited in, meaning they could lose against a big team.
Outlook:
Led by Walkup, the Lumberjacks have an team full of NCAA Tournament experience, and that will undoubtedly help them in a very balanced field. Their offensive efficiency should allow Stephen F. Austin to pull off an upset or two in the Big Dance - don't be surprised to see this group in the Sweet 16.