South Alabama Jaguars vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns Picks and Predictions December 31st 2025

South Alabama Jaguars vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns Picks and Predictions – December 31, 2025

South Alabama heads to the Cajundome in Lafayette for a key Sun Belt tilt against Louisiana-Lafayette on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Tipoff is set for 1:00 PM ET. The Jaguars enter at 9–4 and have been among the league’s stingiest defensive teams, while the Ragin’ Cajuns sit at 6–7 and are still trying to find consistency in conference play.

South Alabama is a 3.5-point road favorite (-106), with UL Lafayette catching +3.5 (-119). The Jaguars are -162 on the moneyline, while the Cajuns are +130 at home. The total is set at just 126.5 — one of the lowest on the board — signaling a slow-paced, defensive battle.

South Alabama Jaguars vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns Odds

These are the current betting odds. Be sure to check for updated movement using the latest college basketball odds before placing your wager.

Team	Moneyline	Spread	Total
South Alabama	-162	-3.5 (-106)	O 126.5 (-110)
Louisiana-Lafayette	+130	+3.5 (-119)	U 126.5 (-110)

South Alabama Jaguars Betting Form

South Alabama is winning with defense. The Jaguars allow just 62.9 PPG and rank top-30 nationally in opponent FG%. Their pace is extremely deliberate — they want to grind possessions down and win in the halfcourt. That style limits possessions but increases the value of execution, which they do well, especially late in games.

They don’t shoot a ton of threes, but they’re efficient from midrange and don’t turn it over often. This isn’t an explosive team, but they consistently win the possession battle. Their tempo and discipline make them strong ATS in low-total games like this.

For more insights, visit the South Alabama stats and results, and watch the South Alabama injury report for any rotation updates.

Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Form

The Cajuns have the offense to compete but not the consistency. They average 72 PPG but have struggled to score against elite defenses. Shot selection has been a recurring issue, and their reliance on individual shot creation can stall out in structured games like this one.

Defensively, they’re middle of the pack. They can rebound well and defend the post, but they don’t pressure ball handlers or force many turnovers. That’s a problem against a team like South Alabama that doesn’t beat itself. At home, they’ve been better — 5–2 SU in Lafayette — but they haven’t faced a defense this disciplined yet.

See their full performance history on the Louisiana-Lafayette schedule and stats, and check lineup availability on the Louisiana-Lafayette injury report.

South Alabama Jaguars vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns Matchup Breakdown

This game is going to be about tempo control. South Alabama wants to drag it into the mud — slow, physical, precise. Louisiana would prefer a bit more flow, but they’re not built to force it. That gives the Jaguars a clear edge in game script.

Matchup angles to note:
South Alabama is +8 in turnover margin over their last 4 games
ULL allows 35% from three and struggles on closeouts
Pace projects bottom-20 nationally — very limited possessions
FT rate leans South Alabama, which could matter late

If the Cajuns fall behind, they’ll have to create offense in the halfcourt, where South Alabama thrives defensively. That’s not a formula for a comeback.

Need help understanding how tempo impacts total outcomes? Check out our college basketball betting guide for more breakdowns on pace and scoring efficiency.

South Alabama Jaguars vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns Predictions and Best Bets

This number is tight, but the edge lies with South Alabama. They’ve been the more complete team all season and match up perfectly against UL Lafayette’s weaknesses. It may not be pretty — it probably won’t be fast — but the Jaguars are built to win these types of games.

As for the total? With both teams playing slowly and neither looking to push pace, the Under 126.5 is definitely in play. If the game stays within two possessions, expect extended clock-burning and limited transition looks.

Best Bet: South Alabama -3.5 (-106)

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