Northwestern State vs New Orleans Prediction 1/31/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Northwestern State Demons and the New Orleans Privateers will meet on Saturday evening in a Southland Conference matchup at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Northwestern State Demons Betting Preview

The Northwestern State Demons enter Saturday’s game with a 6–14 record, including a 4–7 conference record and a 1–11 record on the road. The Demons have compiled wins over Southern–New Orleans, Southeastern Louisiana and Ecclesia College, while dropping games to California, McNeese, Southern and the Texas A&M Aggies. Last month, in the Northwestern State Demons convincing 108–55 victory over Southern–New Orleans, Demons guard Micah Thomas amassed 20 points (6 of 11 shooting from the field), 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals illustrating his ability to lead the Northwestern State backcourt.

The Northwestern State Demons are averaging 69.3 points on 44.3 percent shooting from the field and 34.9 percent shooting from behind the arc per game. Defensively, the Demons are allowing opponents 77.2 points per game.

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. 

New Orleans Privateers Betting Preview

The New Orleans Privateers enter Saturday’s matchup with an 8–13 overall record, including a 6–6 mark in conference play and a 3-3 record at home. The Privateers have compiled wins over Tulane, TCU, and UT Rio Grande Valley, while dropping games to LSU, Fresno State, Mississippi State and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In the New Orleans Privateers dominant 85-69 win over UT Rio Grande Valley earlier this season, New Orleans guard Jakevion Buckley tallied 32 points (12 of 20 shooting from the field), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals showcasing his ability to lead the Privateers offense.

The New Orleans Privateers are averaging 74.4 points on 44.3 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent shooting from behind the arc. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Privateers are allowing opponents 80.5 points per game which ranks an abysmal 305th in the nation.

Senior guard Jakevion Buckley leads the New Orleans Privateers with 14.8 points, 5.4 rebounds 5 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Senior guard Coleton Benson contributes 13.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.6 steals per contest, giving the Privateers a second scoring option in the backcourt. Junior center Churchill Abass provides New Orleans with a presence in the paint averaging 5.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

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 New Orleans Privateers enter tomorrow’s game on the heels of a two-game losing streak.

•           Defensive edge. The Northwestern State Demons are allowing opponents 77.2 points per game. Conversely, the Privateers are allowing an abysmal 80.5 points per game which ranks 305th in the nation.   

Why the New Orleans Privateers Will Win

•             Backcourt play. Senior guard Jakevion Buckley leads the New Orleans Privateers with 14.8 points, 5.4 rebounds 5 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

•             Offensive edge. The New Orleans Privateers are averaging 74.4 points per game. The Demons are averaging just 69.3 points per contest.

Northwestern State vs. New Orleans Prediction

This matchup features Northwestern State’s defensive consistency and recent head‑to‑head success against a New Orleans team that has struggled to limit opponents but has been more competitive at home. New Orleans shooting efficiency gives the Privateers a path to stay in the game, but Northwestern State’s defensive profile, ability to generate turnovers and previous win over the Privateers present a difficult matchup.. With that said, New Orleans defeated the Demons previously this season and I think they matchup well with this Northwestern State team. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the New Orleans Privateers this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: New Orleans TBA