Northwestern State vs. Stephen F. Austin

Stephen F. Austin knows about winning, trying to defend its 2014 Southland Conference tournament title. They are one of only five Division I teams to surpass 25 wins in each of the last three seasons. They come into this one having won 26 of their last 27 games. The Lumberjacks will be the top overall seed for the fifth time since 2008. They face a Northwestern State team that is all about scoring, tops in the nation in points. But you have to play defense this time of the year and Northwestern State doesn't, #12 in the 13-team league in points allowed and #10 in field goal shooting defense. Northwestern State had to play last night while SF Austin is rested. By contrast, Stephen F. Austin is fourth in FG defense, tops in field goal offense, third in scoring and second in scoring defense. And Stephen F. Austin swept the season series 93-82 and 92-66. Play Stephen F. Austin.