Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions vs Southern Jaguars Betting Preview
Picks and Predictions January 24th 2026The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions look to bounce back from a tough loss, while the Southern Jaguars aim to defend F. G. Clark Activity Center in this SWAC clash.
Line Movement and Odds
Southern enters as the favorite, but Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s fast-paced offense makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff Spread: +8.5 (-117)
- Southern Spread: -8.5 (-104)
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff MoneyLine: +277
- Southern MoneyLine: -350
- Total: 154.5 (-110)
Check the College Basketball Odds page for real-time updates and sharper angles before tip-off.
Matchup Breakdown
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Outlook
The Golden Lions average 78.6 points per game, with Quion Williams, Milhan Charles, and Jaquan Scott leading the offense. Williams’ 19 points vs Bethune-Cookman highlighted his consistency, while Charles’ 19 points showcased his versatility. Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s efficiency (51st in possessions per game; 35.1% three-point FG; 6-13 overall record; 2-11 road record) underscores their strengths. Their ability to push the pace makes them a dangerous underdog.
Southern Outlook
The Jaguars average 80.8 points per game, with Michael Jacobs, DaMariee Jones, and Malek Abdelgowad driving production. Jacobs’ 14 points and 9 assists vs Grambling State highlighted his playmaking, while Abdelgowad’s 11.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game showcase his impact. Southern’s efficiency (55.8% effective FG; 4-1 home record; 7-11 overall record) underscores their strengths. Their ability to dominate at F. G. Clark Activity Center makes them tough at home.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on pace and rebounding. Arkansas-Pine Bluff thrives on balanced scoring and offensive depth, while Southern must rely on Jacobs’ playmaking and Abdelgowad’s rebounding to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
Arkansas-Pine Bluff: The Golden Lions report no fresh injury concerns heading into Saturday’s contest.
Southern: The Jaguars are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
F. G. Clark Activity Center has been a reliable venue for Southern, where they’ve gone 4-1 this season. Arkansas-Pine Bluff enters with confidence from strong offensive performances, making this a clash of home strength vs road-tested resilience.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Southern 81, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 76
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff +8.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive efficiency and pace suggest they can stay within the number.
- Over 154.5 → Total play. Both teams’ scoring profiles point toward a combined score above the line.
Southern’s depth and home-court advantage should carry them to victory, while Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s offense keeps the spread in play. Expect a high-scoring contest with totals surpassing the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
SWAC games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers spotlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard highlights who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs Southern, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.


