Notre Dame vs. Stephen F. Austin Prediction – Who’s Got Next
Notre Dame vs. Stephen F. Austin prediction and preview. Who’s Got Next analyzes the NCAA Tournament’s second round matchup between the Fighting Irish and Lumberjacks.
Notre Dame vs. Stephen F. Austin prediction and preview. Who’s Got Next analyzes the NCAA Tournament’s second round matchup between the Fighting Irish and Lumberjacks.
How they got here
Notre Dame beat No. 11 Michigan 70-63; Stephen F. Austin beat No. 3 West Virginia 70-56
Why Notre Dame will win
Notre Dame has been up and down all year, but when the Fighting Irish are rolling, they are fun to watch. Zach Auguste is a power inside, someone who can clean the glass, and his play inside vs. Stephen F. Austin will be key. Guard Demetrius Jackson can put points on the board in a hurry, and his ability to slash makes him difficult to guard. An unsung hero for ND is Steve Vasturia, a guy who provides a rudder on offense and keeps everyone on the same page.
Why Stephen F. Austin will win
The Lumberjacks have been this route before, and they played without fear vs. West Virginia. Forward Thomas Walkup can do it all. He can run the SFA offense, he knocks down the big shot and he has the strength to battle anyone. Forward Clide Geffrard Jr. battles going to the bucket, but he also can stretch the floor and keep opponents honest. The key for SFA will be for guard Ty Charles to take care of the ball and not allow easy baskets on the other end. The Lumberjacks’ defense can clamp down, and few teams play with more heart.
Notre Dame vs. Stephen F. Austin Prediction
This one should be fun to watch. Inconsistency has been ND’s calling card this year, while Stephen F. Austin has been the picture of consistency. Still, Notre Dame is blessed with more athleticism, and as long as the Irish can play the kind of defense they brought to the floor in the second half vs. Michigan, they should win a close one.
Notre Dame vs. Stephen F. Austin Final Score Prediction: Notre Dame 70, Stephen F. Austin 67
