Nicholls Colonels vs Northwestern State Demons Picks and Predictions February 2nd 2026

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Nicholls Colonels vs Northwestern State Demons Betting Preview

The Nicholls Colonels head to Natchitoches to face the Northwestern State Demons in a Southland Conference matchup at Prather Coliseum. Nicholls enters with a 9-13 record and confidence from a win over East Texas A&M, while Northwestern State aims to defend its 5-3 home mark after falling to New Orleans. With the Demons favored by 1.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Nicholls’ perimeter shooting and Northwestern State’s free-throw efficiency.

Line Movement and Odds

Northwestern State is favored, but Nicholls’ three-point shooting makes this line worth tracking. Current market:

  • Nicholls Spread: +1.5 (-118)
  • Northwestern State Spread: -1.5 (-108)
  • Nicholls MoneyLine: -107
  • Northwestern State MoneyLine: -118
  • Total: 145.5 (-110)

Check the college basketball picks for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh Northwestern State’s home-court strength against Nicholls’ perimeter attack.

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Matchup Breakdown

Nicholls Outlook

The Colonels average 74 points per game, with Jalik Dunkley, Zee Hamoda, and Sincere Malone leading the offense. Dunkley’s 20 points vs East Texas A&M highlighted his consistency, while Malone’s efficiency adds balance. Nicholls’ efficiency (9-13 overall record; 9.3 made threes per game, 96th nationally; 4-10 on the road) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score from deep makes them dangerous even as underdogs.

Northwestern State Outlook

The Demons average 72.1 points per game, with Micah Thomas, Willie Williams, and Jamal Pettigrew driving production. Thomas’ 20 points vs New Orleans highlighted his scoring, while Williams’ rebounding showcased his consistency. Northwestern State’s efficiency (6-15 overall record; 5-3 at home; 16.7 made free throws per game, 93rd nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to capitalize at the line makes them tough to beat in Natchitoches.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on perimeter shooting and free throws. Nicholls thrives on Dunkley’s scoring and Malone’s efficiency, while Northwestern State must rely on Thomas’ hot hand and Williams’ rebounding to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.

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Injuries / Availability

Nicholls: The Colonels report no fresh injury concerns heading into Monday’s contest.

Northwestern State: The Demons are expected to have their full rotation available.

Environment

Prather Coliseum has been a steady venue for Northwestern State, where they’ve gone 5-3 this season. Nicholls, however, has shown resilience with four road wins, making this a clash of Colonels’ perimeter firepower versus Demons’ home grit.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Nicholls 75, Northwestern State 73

  • Nicholls +1.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive pace and three-point shooting suggest they can keep the game close and potentially win outright.
  • Over 145.5 → Total play. Both teams’ scoring potential points toward a combined score above the line.

Nicholls’ depth and perimeter shooting should carry them to victory, while Northwestern State’s home-court energy keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans higher-scoring, with totals landing just over the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

Southland games often spotlight perimeter mismatches and free-throw margins. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in mid-major conference trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Nicholls vs Northwestern State, expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.

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