Southland Conference Tournament: No. 1 Northwestern State, the Southland Conference’s favorite to go to the NCAA Tournament, beat No. 8 Texas – San Antonio 75-61 to move into the semifinals against No. 4 Stephen F. Austin. The Demons had five players reach double figures in scoring, including a double-double from senior forward Clifton Lee. Lee finished 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lumberjacks beat No. 5 McNeese State for the third time this season to advance to the semifinals. Stephen F. Austin won 72-70, and junior forward Antuane Miller led the attack with 20 points. Senior point guard Marcus Clark was the initiator all night with 10 points and 10 assists.
No. 6 Lamar pulled off the first upset of the tournament with a 68-65 win at No. 3 Southeast Louisiana, knocking off the Southland Conference’s defending champion in the quarterfinals. The Cardinals built an 11-point lead and held off the Lions’ second-half comeback attempt. Lamar’s win avenged a loss to Southeast Louisiana Friday night. Lamar will play No. 2 Sam Houston State Thursday.
The Bearkats have the best chance to contend with No. 1 Northwestern State for the Southland championship, but they are fortunate to have escaped the quarterfinals. No. 7 Texas – Arlington pushed Sam Houston State to double overtime before the Bearkats could emerge with an 86-84 victory. [3/07/06]
