NACOGDOCHES, Texas (Interstat) — A surging Stephen F. Austin squad, boasting one of the nation’s top records, will look to continue its dominant season when it hosts a New Orleans team seeking a signature road upset on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. The Lumberjacks (24-3) enter William R. Johnson Coliseum riding a 10-game winning streak and sit atop the conference standings. Their last loss came on Jan. 10. The Privateers (13-15), meanwhile, have shown recent resilience, winning four of their last six contests, including a 78-64 victory at Incarnate Word last Monday. Stephen F. Austin won the first meeting this season, 84-79, in New Orleans on Jan. 17. The rematch features a marquee backcourt showdown. The Lumberjacks are led by dynamic guard Keon Thompson, who is averaging 21.3 points over his last seven games. He erupted for 32 points in a win at Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Feb. 14. New Orleans will counter with its own standout guard, Jakevion Buckley. He has been a consistent force, scoring in double figures in six of his last seven outings, including a 25-point performance in a loss to Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Feb. 7. In the Privateers’ recent win, Buckley contributed 16 points and four assists. The game presents a stark contrast in season trajectories. Stephen F. Austin has been a model of consistency, with its only three losses by a combined 11 points. New Orleans has struggled to find similar rhythm but has proven capable, with all five of its February games decided by 10 points or less. A key for the Privateers will be containing Thompson and improving a defense that allowed 95 points in a loss to Texas-Rio Grande Valley earlier this month. The Lumberjacks aim to leverage their home-court advantage, where they are 12-1 this season, to sweep the season series and solidify their conference supremacy. Tipoff is set for Monday night at William R. Johnson Coliseum.