McNeese State Cowboys vs Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Betting Preview
The McNeese State Cowboys head to Nacogdoches to face the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks in a Southland Conference showdown at Johnson Coliseum. McNeese enters with an 18-4 record and confidence from a narrow win over Lamar, while SFA aims to defend its perfect 11-0 home mark after dismantling Southeastern Louisiana. With the Cowboys favored by 2.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between McNeese’s scoring efficiency and SFA’s home dominance.
Line Movement and Odds
McNeese State is favored, but Stephen F. Austin’s unbeaten home record makes this line worth tracking. Current market:
- McNeese State Spread: -2.5 (-115)
- Stephen F. Austin Spread: +2.5 (-109)
- McNeese State MoneyLine: -152
- Stephen F. Austin MoneyLine: +121
- Total: 141.5 (-110)
Check the college basketball odds for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh McNeese’s offensive pace against SFA’s home-court strength.
Matchup Breakdown
McNeese State Outlook
The Cowboys average 82.2 points per game, with Larry Johnson, Jerrell Colbert, and Christian Shumate leading the offense. Johnson’s 22 points vs Lamar highlighted his consistency, while Colbert’s double-double showcased his rebounding. McNeese’s efficiency (18-4 overall record; 47.6% FG shooting, 61st nationally; 77.6% free-throw shooting) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and perform in close games makes them dangerous even on the road.
Stephen F. Austin Outlook
The Lumberjacks average 78.4 points per game, with Keon Thompson, Kam Burton, and Lateef Patrick driving production. Thompson’s 15 points vs Southeastern Louisiana highlighted his scoring, while Burton’s 14 points showcased his balance. SFA’s efficiency (19-3 overall record; 11-0 at home; 36.9% three-point shooting; 39 rebounds per game, 62nd nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to rebound and score efficiently at home makes them tough to beat in Nacogdoches.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on free-throw shooting and rebounding. McNeese thrives on Johnson’s scoring and Colbert’s rebounding, while SFA must rely on Thompson’s hot hand and Patrick’s consistency to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
McNeese State: The Cowboys report no fresh injury concerns heading into Monday’s contest.
Stephen F. Austin: The Lumberjacks are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
Johnson Coliseum has been a fortress for SFA, where they’ve gone 11-0 this season. McNeese, however, has shown resilience with seven road wins, making this a clash of Cowboys’ offensive firepower versus Lumberjacks’ home grit.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: McNeese State 82, Stephen F. Austin 78
- McNeese State -2.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive pace and shooting efficiency suggest they can cover the spread.
- Over 141.5 → Total play. Both teams’ scoring potential points toward a combined score above the line.
McNeese’s depth and efficient shooting should carry them to victory, while SFA’s home-court energy keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans higher-scoring, with totals landing comfortably over the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
Southland games often spotlight tempo mismatches and efficiency battles. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in mid-major conference trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For McNeese State vs Stephen F. Austin, expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.


