Lamar Cardinals vs. Northwestern State Demons Prediction and Betting Tips

The Lamar Cardinals and Northwestern State Demons are set to face off in a thrilling Southland Conference showdown on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Prather Coliseum in Natchitoches, Louisiana. With both teams vying for momentum as the season progresses, this matchup promises to be a tightly contested battle. In this article, we’ll dive into the game preview, key player insights, betting trends, and expert predictions to help you make informed decisions.

Game Preview

Team Overview

The Lamar Cardinals (16-10, 11-4 Southland) enter this game on a three-game winning streak, showcasing their resilience and defensive prowess. They’ve been particularly strong in conference play, winning seven of their last eight games against Southland opponents.

On the other hand, the Northwestern State Demons (12-14, 8-7 Southland) have been inconsistent this season but remain a formidable opponent, especially at home. They’re coming off a narrow 70-68 loss to Stephen F. Austin, where Addison Patterson put up an impressive 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Head-to-Head History

Historically, Lamar has dominated this rivalry, winning four of the last five matchups. In their most recent encounter on January 27, 2025, Lamar secured a 69-59 victory at home512. However, Northwestern State has shown they can compete, especially when playing on their home court.

Key Players to Watch

Lamar Cardinals

1. Alexis Marmolejos: The Cardinals’ leading scorer, averaging 14.9 points per game, Marmolejos is a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, hitting 38.1% of his three-point attempts.
2. Andrew Holifield: A versatile player, Holifield contributes 10.6 points, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, making him a key defensive presence.
3. Adam Hamilton: The team’s top rebounder, Hamilton averages 6.9 rebounds per game and adds 9.6 points to the scoreboard.

Northwestern State Demons

1. Addison Patterson: The Demons’ star player, Patterson leads the team in scoring (13.3 PPG) and assists (3.2 APG). His ability to control the game makes him a player to watch.
2. Willie Williams: A dominant force on the boards, Williams averages 7.4 rebounds per game and contributes 6.4 points.
3. Micah Thomas: Known for his three-point shooting, Thomas averages 10.8 points per game and hits 35.7% of his attempts from deep.

Betting Insights

Odds and Spread

• Spread: Northwestern State -1.5
• Moneyline: Northwestern State -122, Lamar +102
• Over/Under: 131.5 points.

Betting Trends

• Lamar has a 12-10-1 record against the spread (ATS) this season and has covered in six of their last 10 games.
• Northwestern State is 13-11-0 ATS but has struggled as a favorite, going 3-6 ATS when favored by 1.5 points or more.
• The over/under has been hit in 12 of Lamar’s 23 games and 13 of Northwestern State’s 26 games, with both teams averaging 140.6 combined points per game.

Expert Predictions

Score Prediction

Most experts predict a close game, with Lamar edging out Northwestern State 69-67. The Cardinals’ strong defense and recent form give them a slight edge, but the Demons’ home-court advantage could level the playing field.

Betting Tips

1. Pick ATS: Lamar +1.5 – The Cardinals have been solid as underdogs, covering in six of their last 12 games as underdogs by 1.5 points or more.
2. Pick OU: Over 131.5 – Both teams have a tendency to exceed the point total, and their combined average of 140.6 points suggests a high-scoring game.
3. Moneyline: Lamar +102 – With their recent dominance in the series and strong defensive performance, Lamar offers good value as the underdog.

Why Lamar Will Win

1. Defensive Strength: Lamar ranks 47th in the nation in points allowed, giving up just 66.7 points per game. Their ability to limit opponents’ scoring will be crucial.
2. Recent Form: The Cardinals have won seven of their last eight games against Southland opponents, showcasing their ability to perform in conference play.
3. Three-Point Shooting: Lamar shoots 35.1% from beyond the arc, which could exploit Northwestern State’s perimeter defense.

Why Northwestern State Will Win

1. Home-Court Advantage: Playing at Prather Coliseum, the Demons have a 16.8-point scoring differential compared to their away games.
2. Rebounding Edge: Northwestern State outrebounds opponents by 3.1 boards per game, which could give them second-chance opportunities.
3. Addison Patterson: The Demons’ star player has the ability to take over games, as seen in his recent 23-point performance.

Conclusion

The Lamar Cardinals vs. Northwestern State Demons matchup is shaping up to be a thrilling contest with significant implications for both teams. While Lamar’s recent form and defensive strength make them slight favorites, Northwestern State’s home-court advantage and star power cannot be overlooked.

For bettors, the over 131.5 points and Lamar +1.5 are enticing options, given the teams’ scoring tendencies and Lamar’s strong ATS record as underdogs.

Tune in to ESPN+ at 7:30 PM ET on February 17, 2025, to catch all the action live from Prather Coliseum. Whether you’re a fan or a bettor, this game promises to deliver excitement and drama.

Disclaimer: Gambling involves risk. Please wager responsibly and ensure compliance with local laws.