South Alabama vs East Tennessee State Prediction 12/5/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The South Alabama Jaguars and the East Tennessee State Buccaneers meet Friday in college basketball action from the Freedom Hall. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a South Alabama Jaguars vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers prediction.

South Alabama Jaguars Recap

The South Alabama Jaguars come into this game looking to build on their 77-75 win over New Mexico State last time out to sit at 8-1 this season.

Jaguars Win Back-To-Back Games

Adam Olsen leads the Jaguars in scoring with 16.2 PPG along with 3 RPG while Chaze Harris has 15.7 PPG with 5 RPG and a team-high 5.1 APG to lead the Jaguars in assists. Peyton Law has 13.6 PPG with 6.1 RPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for South Alabama so far this season. Jayden Cooper has 9.3 PPG and Randy Brady has 6.7 PPG with a team-high 6.8 RPG to lead South Alabama in rebounding this season. As a team, South Alabama is averaging 76.8 PPG on 47.4% shooting from the field, 34.3% from three and 67% from the foul line so far this season.

East Tennessee State Buccaneers Recap

The East Tennessee State Buccaneers come into this game looking to rebound from their 88-71 loss at the hands of Dayton last time out to sit at 6-2 on the year. 

Buccaneers Have 5-Game Win Streak Snapped

Cam Morris III leads the Buccaneers in scoring with 15 PPG along with 3.3 RPG while Brian Taylor has 14.8 PPG with a team-high 5 RPG and 3.3 APG this season. Jaylen Smith has 10.9 PPG with 3.3 RPG and 3 APG along with 2.3 SPG while Blake Barkley has 11.3 PPG with 4.1 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for ETSU so far this season. Jordan McCullum has 8.9 PPG with 4.8 RPG as well this season. Allen Strothers has 3.6 APG to lead the Buccaneers in assists up to this point in the year. As a team, East Tennessee State is averaging 80.5 PPG on 49.9% shooting from the field, 32.6% from three and 70.5% from the foul line this season. 

South Alabama Jaguars @ East Tennessee State Buccaneers Betting Trends: December 5, 2025

Why the East Tennessee State Buccaneers will win

• East Tennessee State has won each of its last nine games at Freedom Hall Civic Center.
• East Tennessee State has won the first half in each of its last seven home games against non-Conference opponents.

Why the South Alabama Jaguars will win

• South Alabama has won 10 of its last 11 night games.
• East Tennessee State has lost each of its last four night games against the Sun Belt Conference.
• South Alabama has won the first half in three of its last four games against the Southern Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Five of South Alabama’s last six games against the Southern Conference have produced a total of 141+ points.
• Four of East Tennessee State’s last five night games at Freedom Hall Civic Center have produced a total of 139 or fewer points.

South Alabama Jaguars vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers Prediction

I’m on the Buccaneers here. I think that this is going to be an interesting matchup, but the Buccaneers are the better defense in this game, and are also better at the foul line, which I think could be a big deal in the later stages of this game. I think that ETSU gets it done at home with the win and cover in this one. Give me East Tennessee State.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: East Tennessee State -5.5