| MATCHUP | McNeese State Cowboys | Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 18-4 | 19-3 |
| Where | William R. Johnson Coliseum, Nacogdoches, TX | |
| When | Monday, February 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The McNeese State Cowboys and the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks meet Monday in college basketball action from William R Johnson Coliseum in Nacogdoches. Here’s a McNeese vs Stephen F. Austin prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best McNeese vs Stephen F. Austin pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
McNeese State Cowboys Betting Preview
McNeese managed a pretty nice 10-3 overall run in their first 13 games this year. The only losses in that time were versus Santa Clara, Incarnate Word and Michigan. A 7-1 run came over the next eight outings, with wins over Lamar, Stephen F. Austin, SE Louisiana, Nicholls, Texas A&M-CC, New Orleans and SE Louisiana again. Over the first 21 games of the year that would make for a 17-4 overall run.
In the matchup with Lamar back on Saturday the Cowboys were doing okay at halftime, sitting on a 31-23 advantage. McNeese posted a 40-33 deficit the rest of the way but managed to hang on for a 64-63 win on the road in the end. Larry Johnson led the way on 22 points with four rebounds and two assists. Jerrell Colbert had 10 points with 12 rebounds in the victory effort.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Betting Preview
Over on the Stephen F. Austin side, they also came out of the gate this year with a nice run. The Lumberjacks posted a 12-3 record over their first 15 games of the season, falling versus only Fresno State, Texas-Arlington and McNeese in that stretch. Wins over Houston Christian, Incarnate Word, New Orleans, Nicholls, Lamar and Northwestern State came in the next six, giving the Lumberjacks an 18-3 record in their first 21 outings.
In game 22 Saturday versus SE Louisiana, the Lumberjacks rolled in the first half, strutting into the locker room with a 48-23 advantage on the scoreboard. Stephen F. Austin put up a 37-35 run the rest of the way and took the victory in the end 85-58 at home. Keon Thompson put up 15 points with four rebounds and three assists while Kam Burton added 14 points in 20 minutes of action.
McNeese State Cowboys @ Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Betting Trends: February 2, 2026
Why the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks will win
- Stephen F. Austin has won each of its last 11 home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the McNeese State Cowboys will win
- McNeese State has won 29 of its last 30 night games against the Southland Conference.
McNeese vs Stephen F. Austin Prediction
I’m going to take a stab on the Lumberjacks. You could make a case either way, though; this should be a pretty great matchup. Stephen F. Austin didn’t have any issues with a struggling SE Louisiana team this weekend, rolling to the win on 55.4 percent shooting from the field and 57.1 percent (16-of-28) from outside. The Lumberjacks had an edge on the boards and in the paint while posting just nine turnovers. That gives SFA 14 wins in the last 15 games—the only loss in that time was to McNeese.
These teams last met up back on January 5 in a tight 66-64 road loss for Stephen F. Austin. In that one the Lumberjacks shot a reasonable 43.1 percent from the field but only got to the line seven times (making four for 57.1 percent) as opposed to the Cowboys 13 tries (making eight for 61.5 percent). The 38-33 rebounding deficit and 12 turnovers didn’t help SFA’s cause either. I like this one to be a tight, competitive game as well, with the Lumberjacks eking out a revenge cover in the home rematch.