The Southland Conference’s top two men’s basketball teams square off Monday night when the McNeese State Cowboys travel to take on the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks in Nacogdoches. This is a game that carries huge implications for seeding in the upcoming Southland Conference Tournament. Both teams enter this contest in excellent form and the winner of this contest will have the inside track to the top seed in the Southland. Before this big game begins in college basketball, continue reading to get my McNeese vs Stephen F. Austin prediction.
Our McNeese vs Stephen F. Austin Pick
Pick: Stephen F. Austin +2.5 ATS PRO
Confidence: ★★★☆☆
Game Snapshot
Matchup: McNeese Cowboys @ Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
Date & Time: Monday, February 2, 2026, 7:30 PM ET
Venue: William R. Johnson Coliseum, Nacogdoches, Texas
Broadcast: ESPN+
Key Storylines
This contest is a high-stakes battle for Southland’s top seed heading into March. Stephen F. Austin leads the league at 12-1 while McNeese sits just a game behind at 11-2 in conference play. This meeting could determine who gets the top seed in the conference tournament and the intensity in the building should be palpable because of that.
The Lumberjacks are undefeated at home this season, a perfect 11-0 at William R. Johnson Coliseum, showing plenty of toughness in front of the home crowd. Their defense has been a key factor in their home success, allowing 65.2 points per game so far this season.
McNeese enters this game winners of eight of nine overall and riding a four-game winning streak, including a 64-63 road victory at Lamar in their last outing. Guard Larry Johnson has led the Cowboys with consistent scoring performances recently. Johnson averages a team-high 17.4 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game this year.
Last time these teams met on January 5, McNeese defeated SFA 66-64 in Lake Charles. That home win will give McNeese confidence, but SFA’s home court advantage this season is tough to overlook going into the rematch.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
SFA is 18-6 all-time against McNeese.
McNeese has won the last three meetings between these teams, winning twice last season and once this year.
Stephen F. Austin is 16-4 against the spread this season.
McNeese enters this game with an 8-10-1 record against the spread this year.
The under is 10-9 in McNeese games this season.
The under is 12-8 in games involving the Lumberjacks this season.
McNeese vs Stephen F. Austin Model Projection
Score Projection: McNeese State 72 – Stephen F. Austin 74
Win Probability: McNeese State 42%, Stephen F. Austin 58%
Final Thoughts
This Southland Conference showdown should be a tight, competitive game between two of the league’s best teams. McNeese has a high-powered offense capable of putting up points in bunches, but Stephen F. Austin’s combination of defensive grit and home court advantage makes the Lumberjacks a solid play here. I'll take the points with the Lumberjacks, though they could very well win outright and reward those brave enough to back them on the moneyline.
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