Texas Lutheran vs Stephen F. Austin prediction: Stephen F. Austin's perimeter defense gets its first home test against Texas Lutheran
The reigning Southland regular-season champions return to Nacogdoches built on a defense that took away the three, against an opponent we hold no Division I data for.
- Stephen F. Austin brings back a profile built on the defense that carried last season's 28-6 team.
- Watch SFA's perimeter defense, which held opponents to 29.9% from three last season, 11th nationally.
- No spread or total has posted. Last season SFA played at 66.3 possessions per 40 minutes, 250th of 365, a slow pace.
A champion's defense carried forward
Stephen F. Austin went 28-6 last season, won the Southland regular-season title and reached the NIT, where it lost in the first round. Matt Braeuer, hired in March 2025, was named the league's Coach of the Year.
The defense did most of the work. SFA allowed 100.0 points per 100 possessions last season, 29th in Division I. Its signature was the arc: opponents made just 29.9% of their threes, 11th nationally. The Lumberjacks were also careful with the ball, giving it away on 14.0% of possessions, 20th in the country.
The soft spot was the free-throw line. SFA made only 68.0% of its foul shots last season, 327th of 365. That rarely matters against a lesser opponent, but it is the habit to watch as the schedule toughens.
Who is back is the question
All of those numbers describe last season's team, and this roster's makeup isn't clear yet. No starting lineup or availability news has surfaced for either side.
Texas Lutheran is coached by Austin Falke, who entered his fourth season in 2025-26. Its latest result we found came on Feb. 22, 2026: a 101-85 loss to McMurry. Nothing on its 2026-27 roster has been published.
What to watch
- Tempo: SFA played slowly last season. Whether the new group keeps that deliberate style is the first clue to its identity.
- The arc: how well the Lumberjacks guard the three without last season's full rotation.
- The calendar: a tune-up ahead of a late-November trip to the Paradise Jam and a 22-game Southland slate.
Numbers that matter
| Opponent 3-point % (last season) | 29.9% | SFA ranked 11th nationally at taking away the three, the core of its title run. |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive efficiency (last season) | 100.0 | Points allowed per 100 possessions, 29th in Division I. |
| Turnover rate (last season) | 14.0 | SFA turned it over on 14.0% of possessions, 20th nationally. |
| Free throw % (last season) | 68.0% | A 327th-ranked foul-shooting team, its clearest weakness. |
Texas Lutheran vs Stephen F. Austin: quick answers
When is Texas Lutheran vs Stephen F. Austin?
Friday, November 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET.