Lamar vs SE Louisiana Prediction 1/5/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks
Chris Ruffolo
Dec 21, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Chance McMillian (0) reacts going to the basket against Lamar Cardinals forward Andrew Holifield (22) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
MATCHUP
Lamar Cardinals
SE Louisiana Lions
Team Records
7-8
5-10
Where
University Center, Hammond, LA
When
Monday, January 5, 2026
Time
07:00 PM EST
TV
ESPN+
The Lamar Cardinals and the SE Louisiana Lions meet Monday in college basketball action from the University Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Lamar Cardinals vs. SE Louisiana Lions prediction.
Lamar Cardinals Recap
The Lamar Cardinals come into this game looking to bounce back from their 82-70 loss at the hands of McNeese last time out to sit at 4-10 this season. After this game, Lamar will head home for a game against Incarnate Word.
Cardinals Have Two-Game Win Streak Snapped
Rob Lee Jr. leads the Cardinals in scoring with 15.3 PPG along with 2.4 RPG and 2.1 APG while Andrew Holifield has 13.7 PPG with 5.4 RPG and Braden East has 10.5 PPG with a team-high 8.4 RPG to lead the Cardinals in rebounding and to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Lamar up to this point in the year. Cody Pennebaker has 7.8 PPG with 3.9 RPG and King-Njhsanni Wilhite has 6.1 PPG with a team-high 2.7 APG to lead the Cardinals in assists up to this point in the year. As a team, Lamar is averaging 72.6 PPG on 43.6% shooting from the field, 32.6% from three and 69.5% from the foul line this season.
SE Louisiana Lions Recap
The SE Louisiana Lions come into this game looking to bounce back from their 73-63 loss at the hands of Stephen F. Austin last time out to sit at 4-10 this season. After this game, SE Louisiana will head on the road for a game against McNeese.
Lions Lose 4 In A Row
Jeremy Elyzee leads the Lions in scoring with 11.9 PPG along with 4.9 RPG while Isaiah Gaines has 10.5 PPG with 5.8 RPG to lead the Lions in rebounding. Jalen Forrest has 8.1 PPG with 2.8 RPG and Peter Hemschemeier has 7.6 PPG with 2.1 RPG and a team-high 2.4 APG to lead SE Louisiana in assists this season. As a team, SE Louisiana is averaging 65.7 PPG on 40.5% shooting from the field, 26.5% from three and 72.6% from the foul line this season.
Southeastern Louisiana has won six of its last seven home games against Lamar.
Lamar has lost five of its last six night games.
Southeastern Louisiana has won the first half in each of its last seven home games against Lamar.
Why the Lamar Cardinals will win
Southeastern Louisiana has lost 10 of its last 11 night games.
The road team has won four of Lamar’s last five games.
Southeastern Louisiana has lost the first half in each of its last three games.
Total Points Facts
Each of Southeastern Louisiana’s last nine games against Conference opponents at Pride Roofing University Center have produced a total of 136+ points.
Each of Lamar’s last five night games have produced a total of 137+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
Southeastern Louisiana ranks 363rd among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage this season (26.5%).
Southeastern Louisiana ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (52.3).
Lamar ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (53.2).
Lamar ranks 27th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (5.1).
Lamar Cardinals vs. SE Louisiana Lions Prediction
I’m on the Lions here. I think the line is kind of telling that the 4-10 team is favored here over the 7-7 team that was (and still is) considered to be a contender in the Southland so far this season. Lamar had their home run effort against McNeese last time out and just ran out of steam, and I think that the Lions at home can take advantage of that hangover here. Give me SE Louisiana.
