UAB vs McNeese State Prediction 11/2/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The UAB Blazers and the McNeese Cowboys meet Monday in college basketball action from the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. 

UAB Blazers vs. McNeese Cowboys Prediction

I’m on McNeese here. I just think that despite all of the retooling with McNeese’s roster, the Cowboys still boast one of the best mid-major rosters in the country and have a proven history of winning. Andy Kennedy has himself a squad this year with UAB, but I think the talent gap is too wide here for me to side with anyone but McNeese here as the Cowboys have been a money machine for me for some time now. Give me McNeese here.

UAB Blazers Team Preview

The UAB Blazers come into the 2026-27 season looking to make it back to the upper tier of the AAC, finishing the year at 20-12 overall including an 11-7 mark in AAC conference play. The Blazers would be bounced in the quarters of the AAC tournament by Charlotte, ending their season. Andy Kennedy has completely overhauled this roster as only two pieces of any significance return for UAB this season, including KyeRon Lindsay, who is awaiting a ruling on his eligibility. Deuce Jones (15.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.3 APG) comes from Saint Joseph’s, Elijah Duval (15.3 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.6 APG) comes in from Southern Utah and Justyn Fernandez (16.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG) comes over from Delaware to spot UAB with some depth int he starting group while Jeremy Elyzee (11.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG) comes in from SE Louisiana to provide added depth as well. UAB is a solid team, but it’s going to be interesting to see if UAB can regain the form of past Blazer teams in 2026-27.

Why the UAB Blazers will win

• UAB has won five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
• UAB has won the first half in each of its last nine games against non-Conference opponents.

McNeese Cowboys Recap

The McNeese Cowboys come into this game looking to maintain their status at the top of the Southland after going 28-6 overall including a 19-3 mark in Southland conference play to finish as the 2-seed. McNeese would knock off UTRGV and Stephen F. Austin to win the Southland crown before being taken out by Vanderbilt in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Once again, despite a lot of overhaul within the roster, McNeese boasts the best pool of talent in the Southland. Javohn Garcia is back after logging 12.6 PPG and 3.4 RPG for last year’s McNeese team, but Garwey Dual (Seton Hall), Jacob Friedson-Cole (OK State), Jerrell Colbert (SMU, Tyshawn Archie (Tulsa) and more provide the added depth that was left when the Cowboys lost all their talent from last season. Only time will tell if Bill Armstrong can get the Cowboys dancing for the third consecutive season.

Why the McNeese State Cowboys will win

• McNeese State has won each of its last 10 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• McNeese State has won the first half in each of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: McNeese -3.5