McNeese State Cowboys vs Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Stephen F. Austin vs McNeese State NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Lake Charles.

Stephen F. Austin vs McNeese State Prediction

Betting on today's Lumberjacks and Cowboys game? Catch the action at The Legacy Center in Lake Charles, LA, as the Cowboys hosts this showdown at 4:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this Southland conference contest is set at 130.5 points, with McNeese State being favored by -15.5 at home against Stephen F. Austin.

Stephen F. Austin vs. McNeese State Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at McNeese State Cowboys
Where: Lake Charles at The Legacy Center
Date: Monday, January 20th
Betting Odds MCNST -15.5, SFAUS +750 | MCNST -1300 O/U 130.5

Lumberjacks Preview: Taking a Look at the Lumberjacks Chances in Lake Charles

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Recent Game/Games

Stephen F. Austin’s season struggles continued with a 73-61 road loss to Nicholls on Saturday, dropping their record to 5-10. The Lumberjacks entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread.

Trailing 39-33 at halftime, SFA couldn’t mount a comeback, scoring just 28 points in the 2nd half while allowing 34. The game’s total points of 134 fell short of the 137.5 O/U line.

Lumberjacks Offense Breakdown

Stephen F. Austin's offensive struggles were evident in their last game, as they managed just 61 points, shooting 43.5% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 45.2%, hindered by a dismal 10% from beyond the arc, hitting only 2 of 20 attempts. They also struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 5 of 11 attempts (45.5%).

Byron Ireland led the way with 17 points, shooting 7 of 10 from the field and hitting 3 of 3 from deep. Robert Brown III added 16 points, connecting on 5 of 11 three-point attempts. Chrishawn Christmas contributed 12 points and 9 rebounds, while Myles Jenkins and Jaylen Searles each chipped in 11 points.

Lumberjacks Team Defense

Stephen F. Austin's defense gave up 73 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 48% from the field on 25 of 52 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 13 of 29 shooting, which is 44%.

From three-point range, the Lumberjacks allowed 12 made threes on 23 attempts, a 52% shooting performance. They also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 16 times, where they made 11, shooting 68%. Stephen F. Austin gave up 6 offensive rebounds.

Cowboys Preview: Will McNeese State Come Through as Home Favorites?

McNeese State improved to 11-5 on the season with a 75-64 win over Lamar on Saturday. The Cowboys were -14.5 point favorites going into the game but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 139, just over the O/U line of 135.5.

McNeese State took control early, leading 35-24 at halftime. They scored 40 points in the 2nd half, but also allowed 40 points, which kept the game closer than expected.

Cowboys Offense Breakdown

McNeese State put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 43.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 51.7%. They hit 33.3% from beyond the arc, connecting on 9 of 27 attempts, while shooting 51.6% on two-pointers. Their free-throw shooting was a struggle, hitting just 57.1% on 16 of 28 attempts.

Alexis Marmolejos led the way with 20 points, hitting 4 of 7 from three-point range, while DJ Richards Jr. added 19 points, also knocking down 5 threes at a 55.6% clip. Brandon Murray contributed 14 points, and Andrew Holifield chipped in 11 points, shooting 66.7% from the field.

Cowboys Team Defense

McNeese State's defense held their opponent to 64 points, allowing them to shoot 43% from the field with a 51% success rate on two-pointers (16/31). From beyond the arc, the opponent managed to hit 9 of 27 attempts, good for 33%.

At the free-throw line, McNeese State sent their opponent to the stripe 28 times, where they converted 16 free throws, shooting 57%. The Cowboys also gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.

Lumberjacks vs Cowboys Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last three road games, Stephen F. Austin has averaged 65 points per game while allowing 64. The team's record in this stretch was 2-1 while going 2-1 vs. the spread.
In their last three home games, McNeese State has averaged 80 points per game while allowing 61. The team's record in this stretch was 3-0 while going 3-0 vs. the spread.
The Lumberjacks have played well in their last three games as the betting underdog, going 2-1 straight up and 2-1 against the spread.
The Cowboys have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 5-0 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.