| MATCHUP | Southern Jaguars | Alcorn State Braves |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 8-12 | 3-16 |
| Spread | -7.5 -105 | +7.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | -355 | +280 |
| Total | Over 147.5 (-115) | Under 147.5 (-105) |
| Where | Davey L. Whitney Complex, Lorman, MS | |
| When | Saturday, January 31, 2026 | |
| Time | 04:00 PM EST | |
The Southern Jaguars and the Alcorn State Braves meet Saturday in college basketball action from Davey Whitney Complex. Here’s a Southern vs Alcorn State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Southern vs Alcorn State pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Southern Jaguars Betting Preview
This year the Jaguars managed to hit a .500 run over their first eight games of the year, going 4-4 to start things out. Southern would lose to Texas, Texas State, Cal Baptist, Baylor, Illinois, Prairie View and Florida A&M in the next eight games. Next came wins over Bethune-Cookman and Grambling, then a loss to AR-Pine Bluff. That would give the Jaguars a 7-12 run through 19 games this year.
On Wednesday in the MS Valley State matchup the Jaguars played a pretty complete game. Southern went into the second half with a 41-32 advantage, then closed on a 39-37 run on the way to a solid 80-69 win in the end. Michael Jacobs put up 22 points with seven assists and four rebounds while DeMariee Jones doubled up on 13 points and 14 rebounds with one assist in 37 minutes of work.
Alcorn State Braves Betting Preview
Over on the Alcorn State side, they only managed to win one of their first 13 games this year during a very rough start. That lone victory came on November 28 versus Indiana State. The next six outings were a 2-4 run with losses to Alabama State, Texas Southern, Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman. That gives Alcorn State a 3-16 record in their first 19 outings this year so far.
Back on Monday in the matchup versus Bethune-Cookman the Braves entered the second half looking up at a 45-31 deficit on the scoreboard. Alcorn State got better from there on a 42-37 run but it wasn’t nearly enough for the comeback bid in a loss on the road 82-73. Shane Lancaster put up 16 points with seven rebounds and three assists while Tycen McDaniels had 14 points and eight boards.
Southern Jaguars @ Alcorn State Braves Betting Trends: January 31, 2026
Why the Alcorn State Braves will win
- Southern has lost each of its last four away games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- Alcorn State has won four of its last five day games at Davey L. Whitney Complex.
- Alcorn State has won the first half in six of its last eight home games against Southern at Davey L. Whitney Complex.
Why the Southern Jaguars will win
- Southern has won eight of its last nine games against Alcorn State.
- Alcorn State has lost 16 of its last 19 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Alcorn State has lost the first half in 13 of its last 16 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Southern vs Alcorn State Prediction
I’ll lean toward Southern. The Jags didn’t have too many issues with a struggling MS Valley State team this week, bagging 50.9 percent from the field and 82.8 percent (24-of-29) from the line along with a 42-16 edge on points in the paint. The 3-point shooting (16.7 percent on 2-of-12) wasn’t great, though. Southern is all of a sudden 3-1 in their last four games, scoring 71 or more points in all four of those outings.
As for Alcorn State, they notched yet another loss on the road versus Bethune-Cookman this week. The Braves didn’t shoot horribly (43.3 percent) and they were competitive on the boards alongside just nine turnovers. The big issue was the 54.5 percent shooting allowed on defense. If Alcorn State gives up a big number like that on Saturday they’ll be in the loss column once again.