By Wilson Truong

The Southland Conference Tournament begins their tournament play on March 13 in Katy, Texas. Stephen F. Austin heads into this tournament as the favorite, looking to win their fifth conference tournament championship in the last seven years. Here’s a look at what to watch during the tournament as we get closer to March Madness. 

Player to watch: Kevon Harris, SR, Stephen F. Austin

This is Harris’s team. The senior leads the team in PPG, Assists, and is second on the team for rebounds. He has consistently scored in double digits in all but two games. He has been the heart and soul of the team. 

Team to watch: Stephen F. Austin University

They head into this tournament as the best team in the conference. They claimed their way to the number one seed in the tournament, while steamrolling their conference opponents fairly easily. Expect the Lumberjacks to dance their way to the NCAA Tournament barring any surprises. They are the only team in the Southland with a NET ranking in the top 100, the next closest is Abilene Christian at 190. Barring injuries, surprises, or anything else, the Lumberjacks are the team to pick for this tournament and it’s not even close. 

Sleeper Team: Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

The team to watch in this tournament was the only one that was able to beat the Lumberjacks in conference play, winning by the slightest of margins, 73-72, in Nacogdoches. The Lumberjacks would return the favor to the Islanders, winning 75-67, in Corpus Christi. Should we expect Islanders-Lumberjacks III? Doubtful. But if you hate the Lumberjacks, root for the only team that was able to beat them. 

Tournament Champion: Stephen F. Austin University

No shocker here. Don’t expect anyone else besides Stephen F. Austin to come out of this conference, barring an injury or anything else. The Lumberjacks will lay the hammer on the conference and claim their fifth Southland Tournament Championship in the last seven years. 

Edited by Emma Moloney | ehm3gd@mail.missouri.edu