Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. East Texas A&M Lions Prediction and Betting Tips

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and the East Texas A&M Lions are set to face off in a thrilling Southland Conference matchup on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Texas A&M-Commerce Field House. With both teams looking to make a statement, this game promises to be an exciting clash. Here’s a comprehensive preview, including predictions, betting insights, and key player performances to help you make informed decisions.

Game Overview

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (13-13, 6-9 Southland) are riding a four-game winning streak as they head into this matchup. Meanwhile, the East Texas A&M Lions (3-23, 1-14 Southland) are struggling, having lost four consecutive games. The game will tip off at 7:30 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+ .

Key Details:

• Date: Monday, February 17, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Location: Texas A&M-Commerce Field House, Commerce, Texas
• TV: ESPN+
• Spread: SFA -3.5
• Over/Under: 132.5 points

Team Analysis

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

The Lumberjacks have shown resilience in recent games, securing four straight wins. Their offense averages 66.8 points per game, ranking 339th in the nation, while their defense allows 66.2 points per game, placing them 39th in the country. This defensive strength has been a key factor in their recent success.

Top Performers:

• Kyle Hayman: Leading the team with 13.4 points and 2.6 assists per game, Hayman is a versatile player who contributes on both ends of the court.
• Nana Antwi-Boasiako: Averaging 10.2 points and 6.1 rebounds, Antwi-Boasiako is a dominant force in the paint.
• Chrishawn Christmas: Known for his defensive prowess, Christmas averages 1.8 steals per game, making him a key disruptor.

East Texas A&M Lions

The Lions have had a tough season, with only three wins to their name. Their offense averages 63.5 points per game, ranking 359th, while their defense allows 75.3 points per game, placing them 279th. Despite their struggles, they have shown flashes of potential, particularly from beyond the arc, where they average 8.4 three-pointers per game.

Top Performers:

• Scooter Williams Jr.: The leading scorer for the Lions, Williams averages 11.6 points per game and is a key playmaker.
• Khaliq Abdul-Mateen: A sharpshooter, Abdul-Mateen averages 1.8 three-pointers per game and provides a scoring boost.
• Josh Taylor: Known for his defensive presence, Taylor averages 1.2 blocks per game, anchoring the Lions’ defense.

Betting Insights

Spread and Moneyline

• Spread: SFA is favored by 3.5 points, reflecting their recent form and overall stronger performance this season.
• Moneyline: SFA is listed at -170, while East Texas A&M is at +140, indicating that the Lumberjacks are the expected winners.

Over/Under

The over/under for this game is set at 132.5 points. Both teams have struggled offensively, but their recent games have trended slightly higher, with SFA’s last five games averaging 133.6 points and East Texas A&M’s averaging 138.5 points.

Betting Trends

• SFA: The Lumberjacks are 1-7 against the spread when favored by 3.5 points or more this season.
• East Texas A&M: The Lions are 10-13 against the spread as underdogs by 3.5 points or more, showing some resilience in covering the spread.

Prediction

Final Score Prediction

Based on recent performances and statistical analysis, the Lumberjacks are expected to edge out the Lions in a closely contested game.

• Predicted Score: SFA 69, East Texas A&M 67.

Betting Recommendations

• Against the Spread (ATS): East Texas A&M +3.5
• Over/Under: Over 132.5 points

Key Factors to Watch

1. Defensive Battle: SFA’s strong defense will be tested against East Texas A&M’s three-point shooting. If the Lions can hit their shots from beyond the arc, they could keep the game close.
2. Turnovers: Both teams average around 15 turnovers per game. The team that can limit mistakes will have a significant advantage.
3. Rebounding: SFA dominates the boards, averaging 34.2 rebounds per game compared to East Texas A&M’s 26.9. Controlling the glass will be crucial for the Lumberjacks.

Conclusion

The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are the stronger team on paper, but the East Texas A&M Lions have the potential to make this a competitive game. With both teams fighting for pride and positioning in the Southland Conference, this matchup is one to watch. Whether you’re a fan or a bettor, keep an eye on the key players and trends outlined above to make the most of this exciting game.

Disclaimer: Betting involves risk. Please gamble responsibly.