The Southland Conference serves up an important matchup on Tuesday when the New Orleans Privateers visit the Nicholls State Colonels in Louisiana. Nicholls is off to a good start in Southland play this season and is trying to help its seeding prospects with conference tournament time just over a month away. They will try to protect their home court against a New Orleans team that can get back to .500 in conference play with a win. Before tip-off from Thibodaux, continue reading for my New Orleans vs Nicholls prediction.
Our New Orleans vs Nicholls Pick
Pick:
Nicholls -3.5 ATS PRO
Confidence:
3/5
Game Snapshot
Matchup: New Orleans Privateers @ Nicholls Colonels
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 3:30 PM ET
Venue: David R. Stopher Gymnasium, Thibodaux, LA
Broadcast: ESPN+
Key Storylines
Nicholls has struggled recently with a four-game skid after a loss to Southeastern Louisiana. They enter at 8-12 overall and 7-4 in conference play. The Colonels rely on balanced scoring, led by Jaylen Searles at 14.7 points per game, Jalik Dunkley at 13.6 points per game, and Sincere Malone at 11.4 points per game. Three of Nicholls' four straight losses have come against teams near the top of the Southland standings, and this game is a chance for them to get back on track at home.
New Orleans is 7-13 overall and 5-6 in Southland play. The Privateers recently earned a win over Lamar before falling at McNeese. Coleton Benson leads the team with 15.9 points per game, followed by Jakevion Buckley at 13.9 points per game, and MJ Thomas at 11.4 points per game. Their backcourt can score in bunches, but defensive lapses remain an issue for the Privateers.
New Orleans allows 81.4 points per game while scoring 74.2. Nicholls gives up 76.7 points per game and scores around 74.7. Both teams have negative point differentials on the season, but that can be a little misleading given that non-conference play is tougher for these teams than conference action.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
Nicholls is 21-12 all-time against New Orleans.
Nicholls has won the last five matchups between these programs, including their first meeting this season.
The Colonels are 8-11 against the spread this season.
New Orleans is 9-11 against the spread entering Tuesday's play.
The over is 11-8 in Nicholls' games this year.
The Privateers have gone over the total 14 times in 20 games.
New Orleans vs Nicholls Model Projection
Score Projection: New Orleans 72 – Nicholls 78 ATS PRO Win Probability: New Orleans 37%, Nicholls 63% ATS PRO
Final Thoughts
This game sets up well for Nicholls, given the series history and their home-court advantage. While New Orleans has enough weapons to keep things close, defensive efficiency continues to be a concern, especially on the road. Nicholls should be able to control the key stretches of the game and take advantage of New Orleans mistakes to secure a win. I recommend laying the points with the Colonels in this one.
Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.
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