McNeese State Cowboys vs. Southeastern Louisiana Lions Prediction and Betting Tips

The McNeese State Cowboys and the Southeastern Louisiana Lions are set to clash in a highly anticipated Southland Conference showdown on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Pride Roofing University Center in Hammond, Louisiana. With both teams riding impressive winning streaks—McNeese at four games and SE Louisiana at five—this matchup promises to be a thrilling battle. Here’s a comprehensive preview, including predictions, betting tips, and key insights to help you make informed decisions.

Game Overview

• Date and Time: Monday, February 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET
• Location: Pride Roofing University Center, Hammond, Louisiana
• TV and Streaming: ESPN+
• Betting Odds: McNeese -7.5, Over/Under 136.5

Team Performance Analysis

McNeese State Cowboys (20-6, 14-1 Southland)

The Cowboys have been dominant this season, particularly in conference play, where they boast a 14-1 record. They rank third in the Southland Conference, averaging 76.1 points per game while allowing just 63.9 points, the 16th-best defensive mark in Division I basketball.

Key Players:

• Javohn Garcia: Leading scorer with 13.1 points per game and a defensive standout with 1.6 steals per game.
• Christian Shumate: A versatile forward averaging 10.3 points and 1.2 blocks per game.
• DJ Richards: A sharpshooter who has been instrumental in recent wins, averaging 12.2 points over the last 10 games.

Recent Form:
McNeese has won nine of its last 10 games, showcasing a balanced attack and stifling defense. They’ve outscored opponents by an average of 12.2 points per game this season.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions (17-9, 11-4 Southland)

The Lions have been on a roll, winning five straight games, including a thrilling 84-81 overtime victory over Nicholls State. They average 72.8 points per game and have been particularly strong at home, with a 7-2 record at the Pride Roofing University Center.

Key Players:

• Sam Hines Jr.: The Lions’ leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 16.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
• Jakevion Buckley: A dynamic guard averaging 14.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
• Kam Burton: A reliable three-point shooter, making 1.8 threes per game.

Recent Form:
SE Louisiana has also won nine of its last 10 games, with their offense clicking at 44.7% shooting from the field during this stretch. Their defense has held opponents to 67.8 points per game in the same period.

Head-to-Head History

The rivalry between these two teams has been closely contested in recent years. McNeese won the last meeting on December 30, 2024, with a dominant 79-51 victory. However, SE Louisiana has historically performed well at home, winning four of the last six matchups at the Pride Roofing University Center.

Betting Insights and Odds

Spread and Moneyline

• Spread: McNeese is favored by 7.5 points, reflecting their stronger overall record and recent form.
• Moneyline: McNeese (-325) is the heavy favorite, while SE Louisiana (+260) offers value as the underdog.

Over/Under

• The total points line is set at 136.5. Both teams have trended toward high-scoring games, with their combined average of 148.9 points per game suggesting the over might be a smart play.

ATS (Against the Spread) Records

• McNeese: 11-13-0 ATS this season, struggling to cover inflated lines recently.
• SE Louisiana: 18-6-2 ATS, including a 3-1 record as a 7.5-point underdog or more.

Key Factors to Watch

1. Home-Court Advantage: SE Louisiana has won four of the last six home games against McNeese, and the home team has covered the spread in each of the last six meetings.
2. Defensive Prowess: McNeese’s defense ranks 16th nationally in points allowed (63.9), which could stifle SE Louisiana’s offense.
3. Turnover Battle: McNeese forces 13.8 turnovers per game, while SE Louisiana averages 11.7 turnovers. The team that controls the ball better will likely gain the upper hand.
4. Three-Point Shooting: Both teams rely on perimeter shooting, but McNeese has a slight edge, making 7.4 threes per game compared to SE Louisiana’s 6.1.

Prediction

While McNeese is the more talented team and has been dominant in conference play, SE Louisiana’s strong home record and recent form make them a dangerous opponent. The Lions have covered the spread in three straight games, including two upset wins, and their ability to perform under pressure could keep this game closer than the spread suggests.

Final Score Prediction: McNeese 74, SE Louisiana 68.

Betting Tips:

• ATS Pick: SE Louisiana +7.5
• Over/Under Pick: Over 136.5
• Moneyline Pick: McNeese (-325) for a safer bet, but SE Louisiana (+260) offers high upside.

Conclusion

This Southland Conference clash between McNeese State and Southeastern Louisiana is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the season. With both teams in excellent form, the outcome could hinge on execution in critical moments. Whether you’re a fan or a bettor, this game promises plenty of action and drama. Tune in on ESPN+ to catch all the excitement!

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