| MATCHUP | McNeese State Cowboys | Northwestern State Demons |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 21-5 | 8-18 |
| Where | Prather Coliseum, Natchitoches, LA | |
| When | Monday, February 16, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
McNeese Cowboys Betting Preview
The McNeese Cowboys are 21-5 (14-3) this season after they defeated East Texas A&M by a score of 97-54 in their last game. McNeese led 45-29 at halftime and they added 52 points in the second half in the blowout win. The Cowboys shot 55% from the field, 45% on three pointers, and 69% on free throws in the game. Javohn Garcia led McNeese with 21 points and two rebounds, while DJ Richards Jr added 15 points and two rebounds in the win.Prior to that game, McNeese defeated Houston Christian by a score of 73-69 and Incarnate Word by a score of 81-64. The Cowboys have scored 81.5 points per game with 35.1 rebounds and 14.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 66.9 points against per game this season. Larry Johnson is averaging 16.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, while Tyshawn Archie is averaging 13.5 points and 2.8 assists per game for the Cowboys. McNeese is shooting 47.8% from the field, 76.4% on free throws, and 32.8% on three pointers this season.
Northwestern State Demons Betting Preview
The Northwestern State Demons are 8-18 (6-11) this year after they defeated SELA by a score of 69-66 in their last game. Northwestern State trailed 35-32 at halftime, but they won the second half 37-31 in the close victory. The Demons shot 46% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 85% on free throws in the game. Micah Thomas led Northwestern State with 26 points and three assists, while Chris Mubiru added 12 points and five assists in the win.Prior to that game, Northwestern State defeated Lamar by a score of 70-68, but lost to East Texas A&M by a score of 52-48 before that. The Demons have scored 70.3 points per game with 30.7 rebounds and 12.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.4 points against per game this season. Micah Thomas is averaging 16.9 points and 2.8 assists per game, while Izzy Miles is averaging 10.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game for the Demons. Northwestern State is shooting 44.4% from the field, 74.1% on free throws, and 33.8% on three pointers this year.
Why the Northwestern State Demons will win
- The home team has won each of the last three games between McNeese State and Northwestern State.
Why the McNeese State Cowboys will win
- McNeese State has won 30 of its last 32 night games against the Southland Conference.
- Northwestern State has lost 12 of its last 14 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Northwestern State has lost the first half in six of its last eight home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the last four night games between McNeese State and Northwestern State have produced a total of 146+ points.
- Four of McNeese State’s last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Prather Coliseum have produced a total of 141+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- McNeese State ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (21.5).
- McNeese State ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (10.5).

