Stephen F. Austin's men’s basketball team is set to kick off their NIT campaign against Tulsa after a successful regular season. This marks the Jacks’ first national postseason appearance since 2022 and their fourth trip to the NIT. The match is scheduled for 8:05 p.m., with hopes for a historic victory as they seek their first national postseason win since 2016. A win against Tulsa would not only break a personal slump but also solidify SFA's efficacy this season following an impressive conference finish.

By the Numbers
  • SFA holds a 13-game winning streak, the longest since the 2019-20 season.
  • Total victories this season stand at 28, potentially tying for third-most in the program’s history.
  • SFA threes made this season total 292, surpassing last year's record of 269.
Yes, But

Despite a strong season, the Jacks missed out on the NCAA Tournament, underscoring the high stakes of their NIT performance. Tulsa presents a formidable opponent with their strong home record and successful history in the NIT, having won twice in past years.

State of Play
  • Stephen F. Austin is currently ranked No. 12 in the Mid-Major Top 25.
  • Tulsa enters the game with a 26-7 overall record and ranks high nationally in several statistical categories.
  • The Jacks have won their last three games and finished the regular season strongly.
What's Next

If victorious against Tulsa, SFA aims for a deeper run in the NIT, potentially advancing beyond the first round for the first time since 1987. They will then face the winner of the next matchup, furthering their postseason aspirations.

Bottom Line

Victory against Tulsa not only demonstrates the Jacks' growth this season but also serves as a crucial step in revitalizing their postseason history. This matchup will be a defining moment for the program’s momentum as they seek to reclaim their spot among nationally competitive teams.