Stephen F. Austin vs SE Louisiana Prediction 1/3/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and the Southeastern Louisiana Lions will meet on Saturday afternoon in a Southland Conference matchup at the William R. Johnson Coliseum in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Betting Preview

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks enter Saturday’s matchup with Northwestern State with an 11–2 win-loss record, including a 7–0 mark at home. The Lumberjacks have compiled wins over Arkansas State, UL Monroe, Rice and UT Rio Grande Valley, while losing 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 amassed 14 points (5 of 8 shooting from the field), 5 rebounds, 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal illustrating his ability to lead the Lumberjacks backcourt.

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks average 76 points on 45.1 percent shooting from the field and 36.6 percent shooting from three-point range (63rd  in the nation) per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Lumberjacks are allowing opponents just 64.9 points per game which ranks 21st in the country.

Senior guard Keon Thompson leads the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks with 17.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1 steal per game. Senior forward Jerald Colonel contributes 5.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, giving the Lumberjacks a strong presence in the paint.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions Betting Preview

The Southeastern Louisiana Lions enter Saturday’s matchup with a 4–9 overall record, including a 1–2 mark at home and a 1–7 record on the road. The Lions have compiled wins over Houston Christian, Incarnate Word, Navy and Gardner-Webb, while dropping games to Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia Tech and the LSU Tigers. 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 are averaging 65.5 points on 38.8 percent shooting from the field and 25.9 percent shooting from behind the arc. Defensively, the Lions are allowing opponents 72.3 points per game.

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 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Will Win

• Quality guard play.  Senior guard Keon Thompson leads the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks with 17.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

• Interior presence. Jerald Colonel averages 5.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game.

• Elite defense. The Lumberjacks are allowing opponents just 64.9 points per game which ranks 21st in the country.

Why the Southeastern Louisiana Lions Will Win

•             Balanced scoring. Guard Jeremy Elyzee and forward Isaiah Gaines combine for over 23 points per game.  

•             Enhanced motivation. The Southeastern Louisiana Lions arrive at tomorrow’s game on the heels of a three-game losing streak.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. Southeastern Louisiana Lions

This matchup features the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks high efficiency offense and quality defense against a Southeastern Louisiana team that has frankly struggled when having to face good defenses in 2025. Additionally, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are 7–0 at home, have won five straight basketball games and rank among the nation’s best in overall defensive scoring margin. In my view, the clear side to be on in this game is with the Lumberjacks.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Stephen F. Austin TBA