McNeese State vs Nicholls State Prediction 3/2/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The McNeese Cowboys and the Nicholls Colonels meet Monday in college basketball action from the Stopher Gymnasium. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a McNeese Cowboys vs. Nicholls Colonels prediction.

McNeese Cowboys Recap

The McNeese Cowboys come into this game looking to add on to their 66-63 win over New Orleans last time out to sit at 25-5 this season. 

Cowboys Win 7 Straight

Larry Johnson leads the Cowboys in scoring and rebounding with 16.9 PPG and 5.2 RPG while Tyshawn Archie has 14.1 PPG with 2.8 APG and Javohn Garcia has 11.3 PPG with 2.9 RPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for McNeese so far this season. DJ Richards Jr. has 8.4 PPG with 2 RPG and Garwey Dual has 8.2 PPG with 2.7 RPG and a team-high 4.1 APG to lead McNeese in assists up to this point in the year. As a team, McNeese is averaging 80.2 PPG on 47.1% shooting from the field, 31.8% from three and 75% from the foul line this season.

Nicholls Colonels Recap

The Nicholls Colonels come into this game looking to add on to their 68-60 win over Southeastern Louisiana last time out to sit at 13-17 this season.

Colonels Win Back-To-Back Games

Jalik Dunkley lead the Colonels in scoring and rebounding with 12.9 PPG and 7 RPG while Jaylen Searles has 12.3 PPG with 3.9 RPG and 2 APG. Sincere Malone has 11.5 PPG with 4.4 rPG and 3.2 APG and Trae English has 11.2 PPG with 2 RPG and 3.4 APG to lead Nicholls in assists and to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Nicholls so far this season. Zee Hamoda has 9.8 PPG with 2.8 RPG as well this season. As a team, Nicholls is averaging 73.1 PPG on 43.9% shooting from the field, 33.9% from three and 66.2% from the foul line this season.

McNeese State Cowboys @ Nicholls State Colonels Betting Trends: March 2, 2026

Why the Nicholls State Colonels will win

• The home team has won each of the last five games between McNeese State and Nicholls State.
• McNeese State has lost each of its last four night games at David R. Stopher Gym.
• The home team has won the first half in each of the last five games between McNeese State and Nicholls State.

Why the McNeese State Cowboys will win

• McNeese State has won 33 of its last 35 night games against Conference opponents.
• Nicholls State has lost five of its last six home games.
• McNeese State has won the first half in each of its last six games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of McNeese State’s last seven night games have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.
• Thirteen of the last 15 night games between McNeese State and Nicholls State have produced a total of 145+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Nicholls State ranks 360th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (77.4%).
• Nicholls State ranks 15th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (9.2).
• McNeese State ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.5).
• McNeese State ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (16.8).

McNeese Cowboys vs. Nicholls Colonels Prediction

I’m on Nicholls here. I think McNeese would like the 1-seed and a conference regular season title share, but ultimately, the Cowboys still have the home court in hosting the Southland tournament, so they’ll get the main advantage when this tournament starts in a few days. Nicholls is fighting for their tournament lives as only the top-8 teams make the Southland tournament, and I think Nicholls gives everything here in a last stand kind of game. Give me Nicholls.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Nicholls +10.5