Lamar Cardinals vs Nicholls Colonels Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Lamar vs Nicholls NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Thibodaux.

Lamar vs Nicholls Prediction

Looking to win big? The Cardinals and Colonels face off at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. The Colonels are hosting the game at Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux, LA. This Southland conference matchup has an over/under of 140.5 points, and Nicholls is favored to win by -3.5 at home vs. Lamar.

Lamar vs. Nicholls Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Lamar Cardinals at Nicholls Colonels
Where: Thibodaux at Stopher Gymnasium
Date: Monday, January 20th
Betting Odds NICHLS -3.5, LAMAR +145 | NICHLS -179 O/U 140.5

Cardinals Preview: Is A Road Victory Likely for Underdog Lamar?

Lamar Cardinals Recent Game/Games

The Cardinals fell to 6-9 on the season after a 75-64 road loss to McNeese State on Saturday. Lamar entered the game as +14.5 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread.

After trailing 35-24 at halftime, Lamar scored 40 points in the 2nd half but couldn’t close the gap, as they also allowed 40 points. The total points for the game went over the 135.5 line.

Cardinals Offense Breakdown

The Cardinals shot 47.8% from the field in their last game, with an effective field goal percentage of 56.5%. They connected on 36.8% of their three-point attempts, hitting 7 of 19 from deep, and went 15 for 27 (55.6%) on two-point shots.

Alexis Marmolejos led the way with 20 points, hitting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. DJ Richards Jr. also made 4 threes, finishing with 19 points, while Brandon Murray added 14 points on 62.5% shooting. Andrew Holifield contributed 11 points and 6 rebounds, shooting 66.7% from the field.

Cardinals Team Defense

Even though Lamar gave up 75 points, they managed to hold their opponent to 43% shooting from the field, with 25 made baskets on 58 attempts. Inside the arc, the Cardinals allowed 51% shooting, with the opposing team hitting 16 of their 31 two-point attempts.

From beyond the three-point line, Lamar's defense limited their opponent to 33% shooting, as they connected on 9 of 27 shots. The Cardinals also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 28 times, where they made 16, shooting 57%. Lamar gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.

Colonels Preview: Can the Colonels Pull Off a Home Win?

Nicholls Colonels Recent Game/Games

Nicholls moved to 8-7 on the season with a 73-61 home win over Stephen F. Austin on Saturday. The Colonels entered the game as -3.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.

Leading 39-33 at halftime, Nicholls held the Lumberjacks to 28 points in the 2nd half while scoring 34 of their own. The total points for the game were 134, just under the O/U line of 137.5.

Colonels Offense Breakdown

Nicholls put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 48.1% from the field and posting an effective field goal percentage of 59.6%. Their three-point shooting was a key factor, as they hit 52.2% from deep, connecting on 12 of 23 attempts.

Byron Ireland led the way, going 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and finishing with 17 points and 4 assists. Robert Brown III added 16 points, hitting 5 threes at a 45.5% rate.

Colonels Team Defense

Despite Nicholls' defensive efforts, they allowed 61 points on 48% shooting from the field. The Colonels gave up 12 three-pointers, with the opposing team hitting 52% from beyond the arc.

From the free-throw line, the other team went 11/16, shooting 68%. Nicholls limited them to just 6 offensive rebounds.

Cardinals vs Colonels Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last road games and 3-2 straight-up.
When looking at their past five home matchups, Nicholls has an ATS record of 4-1 while averaging 75 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Cardinals have a strong record vs the spread going 2-1. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
Nicholls has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three games.