Northwestern State vs Lamar Prediction 2/9/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Northwestern State Demons and the Lamar Cardinals will meet on Monday evening in a Southland Conference matchup at the Montagne Center in Beaumont, Texas.

Northwestern Demons Betting Preview

The Northwestern State Demons enter Monday’s game with a 6–18 record, including a 4–11 mark at home and a 1–13 record on the road. The Demons have compiled wins over Southern–New Orleans, Southeastern Louisiana and Ecclesia College, while dropping games to California, McNeese, Texas A&M and the Southern Jaguars. Earlier this season, in the Northwestern State Demons 108–55 victory over Southern–New Orleans, Northwestern State guard Micah Thomas tallied 20 points (6 of 11 shooting from the field), 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals illustrating his ability to lead the Demons backcourt.

The Northwestern State Demons are averaging 67.5 points on 43.4 percent shooting from the field and 33.5 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Defensively, the Demons are allowing opponents 75.9 points per game which ranks a dreadful 209th in the country.

Senior guard Micah Thomas leads the Northwestern State Demons averaging 16.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1 steal per game. Sophomore guard Justin Redmond provides the Demons with further backcourt versatility averaging 9.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1 steal per contest, while junior guard Izzy Miles is averaging 10 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.5 steals per game. 

Lamar Cardinals Betting Preview

The Lamar Cardinals enter Monday’s matchup with a 12–12 record, including a 7-8 mark in conference play and a 7–5 record at home. The Cardinals have amassed wins over Louisiana Monroe, Montana and Northwestern State, while dropping games to San Diego State, Oakland and the TCU Horned Frogs. In the Lamar Cardinals 85-82 double overtime loss to the Omaha Mavericks earlier this season, junior guard Rob Lee Jr. accumulated 24 points (9 of 16 shooting from the field), 2 rebounds and 3 assists illustrating his ability to perform at a high level.

The Lamar Cardinals average 70.5 points on 43.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.9 percent from beyond the arc per game. Defensively, the Cardinals allow 70.5 points per contest.

Junior guard Rob Lee Jr. leads the Lamar Cardinals backcourt averaging 16.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1 steal per game. Senior forward Andrew Holifield provides the Cardinals with a strong interior presence averaging 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1,6 steals and 2.2 blocks per contest.

Why the Northwestern State Demons Will Win

• Quality guard play. Senior guard Micah Thomas leads the Demons with 16.1 points on 43.9 percent shooting from the field per game.

• Balanced scoring. Micah Thomas, Justin Redmond and Izzy Miles combine for 36 points per contest.

• Enhanced motivation. The Northwestern State Demons arrive at tomorrow’s contest on the heels of a seven-game losing streak.

Why the Lamar Cardinals Will Win

• Home court edge. Lamar is 7–5 at home, giving them a strong advantage at the Montagne Center.

• Backcourt production.  Junior guard Rob Lee Jr. leads the Lamar Cardinals backcourt averaging 16.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1 steal per game.

• Defensive advantage. The Lamar Cardinals are allowing opponents 70.5 points per game. Conversely, the Northwestern State Demons are averaging 75.9 points per contest which ranks a dreadful 209th in the nation.

Northwestern State Demons vs. Lamar Cardinals

This matchup features the Northwestern State Demons efficient offensive and quality backcourt scoring against a Lamar Cardinals team that has been significantly stronger at home in 2025. The Northwestern State Demons defensive issues and current seven‑game losing streak make them difficult to trust on the road. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Lamar Cardinals to win this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Lamar TBA