UL Monroe vs Louisiana Prediction 1/8/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Louisiana Monroe Warhawks and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns meet Thursday in college basketball action from the Cajundome. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Louisiana Monroe Warhawks vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns prediction.

Louisiana Monroe Warhawks Recap

The Louisiana Monroe Warhawks come into this game looking to bounce back from their 84-79 loss at the hands of Texas State last time out to sit at 3-13 this season. After this game, Louisiana Monroe will head on the road for a game against Southern Miss.

Warhawks Lose 6th In A Row

Krystian Lewis leads the Warhawks in scoring and assists with 16.7 PPG and 3 APG along with 3.9 RPG while MJ Russell has 16.4 PPG with 3.5 RPG and 2.3 APG. Lavell Brodnex has 15.2 PPG with a team-high 9.1 RPG to lead Louisiana-Monroe in rebounding along with 2.5 APG and Renars Sondors has 10.3 PPG with 3.5 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Louisiana-Monroe so far this season. As a team, Louisiana-Monroe is averaging 74.3 PPG on 42.9% shooting from the field, 34.6% from three and 71.8% from the foul line this season.

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Recap

The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns come into this game looking to bounce back from their 74-67 loss at the hands of Southern Miss last time out to sit at 3-13 this season. After this game, Louisiana will take on the Troy Trojans at home.

Ragin’ Cajuns Drop Back-To-Back Games

Dorian Finister leads Louisiana in scoring and rebounding with 12.9 PPG and 5.1 RPG while Jaxon Olvera has 12.7 PPG with 4.1 RPG and 2.2 APG as the only other double-digit scorer for Louisiana so far this season. Joshua Lewis has 7.1 PPG with 3.6 RPG and De’Vion Lavergne has 7.4 PPG with 3.8 RPG and a team-high 2.5 APG to lead Louisiana in assists as well on the year. As a team, Louisiana is averaging 58.5 PPG on 38.8% shooting from the field, 31% from three and 67.5% from the foul line this season.

Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks @ Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Trends: January 8, 2026

Why the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns will win

• Louisiana-Monroe has lost each of its last nine games against Conference opponents.
• Louisiana has won 10 of its last 11 games against Louisiana-Monroe.
• Louisiana-Monroe has lost the first half in 12 of its last 13 games against Conference opponents.

Why the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks will win

• Louisiana has lost each of its last eight night games.
• The road team has won four of Louisiana-Monroe’s last five games.
• Louisiana has lost the first half in six of its last seven night games.

Matchup/League Facts

• Louisiana ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (58.5).
• Louisiana ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (20.7).
• Louisiana-Monroe ranks 363rd among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (31.8).
• Louisiana-Monroe ranks T358th among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (18.1).

Louisiana Monroe Warhawks vs. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Prediction

I’m on the Cajuns here. ULM has three wins this season, two against subdivision teams and one against the worst team in the country, Mississippi Valley State. Louisiana has three wins over teams far better than any of those and I think it’s why two teams with identical records have this much of a spread between them. I look for Louisiana to beat up on their rival and to snag the win and cover here.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Louisiana -7.5