| MATCHUP | McNeese State Cowboys | Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 27-5 | 28-4 |
| Spread | -2.5 100 | +2.5 -120 |
| Moneyline | -142 | +120 |
| Total | Over 134.5 (-108) | Under 134.5 (-112) |
| Where | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA | |
| When | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | |
| Time | 05:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN2 | |
McNeese Cowboys Betting Preview
The McNeese Cowboys beat Nicholls and Grande Valley. McNeese has won 9 straight games.
The McNeese Cowboys are averaging 80 points on 47 percent shooting and allowing 66.3 points on 40.6 percent shooting. Larry Johnson is averaging 17.2 points and 5.3 rebounds, while Tyshawn Archie is averaging 14.3 points and 2.9 assists. Javohn Garcia is the third double-digit scorer and DJ Richards Jr. is dishing 0.7 assists. The McNeese Cowboys are shooting 31.4 percent from beyond the arc and 75.5 percent from the free throw line. The McNeese Cowboys are allowing 32.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31.7 rebounds per game.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Betting Preview
The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks beat Incarnate Word and Corpus Christi. Stephen F. Austin has won 10 of its last 11 games.
The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are averaging 80 points on 45.2 percent shooting and allowing 68.1 points on 42 percent shooting. Keon Thompson is averaging 18.1 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Lateef Patrick is averaging 15.5 points and 1.6 assists. Kam Burton is dishing 0.3 assists and Narit Chotikavanic is grabbing 2.8 rebounds. The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc and 67.9 percent from the free throw line. The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are allowing 29.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 35.5 rebounds per game.
Why the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks will win
- Stephen F. Austin has won each of its last 13 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- McNeese State has lost each of its last five day games following an overtime win.
- McNeese State has lost the first half in three of its last four games played at neutral venues after coming off overtime.
Why the McNeese State Cowboys will win
- McNeese State has won each of its last 35 games against the Southland Conference at Townsley Law Arena.
- Stephen F. Austin has lost the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents at neutral venues.
Total Points Facts
- Eleven of McNeese State’s last 12 games against the Southland Conference at neutral venues have produced a total of 139+ points.
- Four of Stephen F. Austin’s last five day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 138+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Stephen F. Austin ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (5.8).
- Stephen F. Austin ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.2).
- McNeese State ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (16.9).
- McNeese State ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (21.4).
McNeese State vs Stephen F. Austin Prediction
These teams split the previous two meetings this season and there’s not much separating them overall. That’s kind of why I’ll grab the free bucket with Stephen F. Austin. This is a legit toss-up between the two best teams in the Southland. However, Stephen F. Austin is also slightly sharper and more aggressive defensively, which could be the decider with both sides on the end of a back-to-back. Also, Stephen F. Austin is 22-8 ATS on the season, making it one of the best cover teams in college basketball. A big dance bid is on the line. This should be a good one. Give me the bucket with Stephen F. Austin.