SE Louisiana vs LSU Prediction 12/19/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The LSU Tigers and the Southeastern Louisiana Lions will meet on Friday evening in a non‑conference matchup at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

LSU Tigers Betting Preview

The LSU Tigers enter Friday’s contest with a 9–1 win‑loss record (1st in SEC) , including a 7–0 record at home. The Tigers have compiled wins over Tarleton State, New Orleans, Alcorn State, Omaha, Drake, Boston College and the Depaul Blue Demons, while losing to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In the LSU Tigers rather impressive 78–69 overtime win over the Boston College Eagles three days ago, guard Dedan Thomas Jr. tallied 23 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals illustrating his ability to lead the team’s backcourt.

The LSU Tigers average 88.5 points (22nd in country) on 51.6 percent shooting from the field (12th in nation) and 32.7 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. The Tigers are allowing opponents 70.6 points on 40.4 percent shooting from the field per game.

Junior forward Mike Nwoko leads the LSU Tigers frontcourt averaging 15.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, providing the Tigers with efficient interior scoring. Junior guard Dedan Thomas Jr. has emerged as the team’s primary facilitator, averaging 15.3 points and 6.9 assists per game. Forward Marquel Sutton adds 13.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, while senior guard Max Mackinnon contributes 12.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions Betting Preview

The Southeastern Louisiana Lions enter Friday’s contest with a 4–7 record, including a 1–4 mark on the road. The Lions have compiled wins over Houston Christian, Navy, and Gardner Webb while dropping games to Ole Miss, East Texas A&M and the Northwestern State Demons. In the Southeastern Louisiana Lions thrilling 74–71 overtime win over the Houston Christian Huskies Nicholls five days ago, Southeastern Louisiana forward Jeremy Elyzee amassed 17 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 1 steal showcasing his ability to lead the Lions frontcourt.

The Southeastern Louisiana Lions average 65.1 points on 39.7 percent shooting from the field and 26.6 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Lions are allowing opponents 71.1 points on 46.9 percent shooting from the field per game which ranks an abysmal 281st in the nation.

Sophomore forward Jeremy Elyzee leads the Southeastern Louisiana Lions averaging 12.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Junior forward Isaiah Gaines contributes 10.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest.

Why the LSU Tigers Will Win

 •            Explosive offense. In eight games played this season, the LSU Tigers average 88.5 points per game which ranks 22nd in the nation.

•            Balanced roster. Nwoko, Sutton, and Thomas Jr. provide scoring, rebounding and quality defense.

•            Defensive edge. The LSU Tigers are allowing opponents 70.6 points per game. Conversely, the Lions are allowing opponents to shoot a robust 46.9 percent from the field which ranks 281st in the country. 

Why the Southeastern Louisiana Lions Will Win

•             Balanced attack. Gaines and Elyzee quality scoring and rebounding.

•             Underdog motivation. Southeastern Louisiana will look to shock an SEC opponent.

LSU vs. Southeastern Louisiana Prediction

This matchup features the LSU Tigers overall team athleticism and depth against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions’ balanced scoring and rebounding. I think the LSU Tigers will look to lean on Dedan Thomas Jr.’s playmaking ability and Marquel Sutton’s ability to be a strong presence inside, while the Southeastern Louisiana Lions will look to Isaiah Gaines to keep pace.

In my view, the LSU Tigers ability to push pace and score in transition should prove decisive in this matchup. I am backing the LSU Tigers to cover the 22.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: LSU -22.5