Stephen F. Austin vs New Orleans Prediction 1/17/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and the New Orleans Privateers will meet on Saturday night in a Southland matchup in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Betting Preview

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks enter Saturday’s matchup with New Orleans with a 14–3 win-loss record, including a 7–1 mark in conference play and a 5-3 record on the road. The Lumberjacks have compiled wins over Arkansas State, UL Monroe, Rice and UT Rio Grande Valley, while dropping games to UT Arlington and the Fresno State Bulldogs. More recently, in the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks convincing 103–55 victory over Dallas College earlier this month, Stephen F. Austin guard Keon Thompson tallied 14 points (5 of 8 shooting from the field), 5 rebounds, 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal.

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks average 74.3 points on 44.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.7 percent shooting from three-point range  per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Lumberjacks are allowing opponents just 63.7 points per game which ranks 8th in the country.

Senior guard Keon Thompson leads the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks with 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 0.8 steals per game. Senior forward Jerald Colonel contributes 5.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 steal per game, giving the Lumberjacks a strong interior presence.

New Orleans Privateers Betting Preview

The New Orleans Privateers enter Saturday’s matchup with a 6–11 overall record, including a 4–4 mark in conference play and a 2-2 record at home. The Privateers have compiled wins over Houston Christian, Ecclesia College, and Southeastern Louisiana, while dropping games to McNeese, Lamar, Northwestern State, and Texas A&M–Corpus Christi. In the New Orleans Privateers’ 73–61 loss to Northwestern State last month, New Orleans guard Jamond Vincent posted 24 points (8 of 13 shooting from the field), 4 rebounds, and 4 made three‑pointers, showcasing his ability to lead the Privateers’ backcourt.

The New Orleans Privateers are averaging 73.6 points on 43.1 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent shooting from behind the arc. Defensively, the Privateers are allowing opponents 81.5 points per game which ranks a dreadful 314th in the nation.

Senior guard Coleton Benson leads the New Orleans Privateers with 15.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Senior guard Jakevion Buckley contributes 13.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.7 steals per contest giving the Privateers a second scoring option in the backcourt.

Why the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Will Win

• Quality guard play.  Senior guard Keon Thompson leads the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks with 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 0.8 steals per game.

• Interior presence. Senior forward Jerald Colonel is averaging 5.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 steal per game.

• Ability to win on the road. The Lumberjacks are 5-3 on the road this season.

• Elite defense. The Lumberjacks are allowing opponents just 63.7 points per game which ranks 8th in the country.

Why the New Orleans Privateers Will Win

• Backcourt scoring. Coleton Benson and Javion Buckley combine for over 29 points per game.

• Home court edge. The New Orleans Privateers are 2-2 at home this season.

• Motivation. The Privateers have lost three of the team’s last five games played in 2025.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. New Orleans Privateers

Stephen F. Austin enters tomorrow’s contest with a balanced offense and an elite defense. The Lumberjacks are allowing just 63.7 points per game which ranks 8th in the country. Conversely, the New Orleans Privateers are allowing an abysmal 81.5 points per contest which ranks a dreadful 314th in the nation. For me, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are the clear side to be on in this matchup.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Stephen F. Austin TBA