Marshall Thundering Herd vs Arkansas State Red Wolves Picks and Predictions for Saturday January 31, 2026
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The Marshall Thundering Herd travel to Jonesboro, Arkansas on Saturday afternoon to face the Arkansas State Red Wolves at First National Bank Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Arkansas State enters this Sun Belt matchup as a 3.5-point home favorite, with the total set at 164.5 points. The moneyline odds were not released at the time of this writing. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily betting insight.
Thundering Herd Searching for Road Consistency
The Marshall Thundering Herd come into this game with a 13-8 overall record and have shown flashes of strong offensive play this season. Over their last five games, Marshall has wins over ULM and James Madison, along with losses to Texas State, Coastal Carolina, and Georgia State. That recent stretch reflects a team capable of big scoring nights but one that has struggled to string together consistent results.
Marshall is averaging 80.6 points per game while allowing 74.7 points per contest. They shoot 46 percent from the field and do a solid job on the glass, pulling down 39.1 rebounds per game. The Thundering Herd also move the ball well, averaging 17.0 assists per game, which helps fuel their up-tempo offensive approach.
One of Marshall’s strengths is interior defense, as they average 5.7 blocks per game. That rim protection can disrupt opposing offenses, but defensive lapses in transition have often offset those positives, especially in road environments.
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Red Wolves Looking to Defend Home Court
The Arkansas State Red Wolves enter Saturday’s contest with a 13-9 overall record and will look to bounce back after a difficult stretch. In their last five games, Arkansas State has losses to Old Dominion, Georgia State, Troy, and South Alabama, with their lone win coming on the road against Georgia Southern. That run shows a team that has been competitive but unable to close out tight games.
Offensively, Arkansas State averages 82.5 points per game while allowing 79.1 points per contest. The Red Wolves shoot 45 percent from the field and average 39.8 rebounds per game, showing balance in their scoring attack. They also average 15.4 assists per game, indicating a willingness to share the ball.
Where Arkansas State stands out is activity on defense. Averaging 7.7 steals per game, the Red Wolves can force turnovers and generate easy transition opportunities. If they can turn defense into offense at home, that could be a key factor against Marshall’s aggressive style.
Marshall Thundering Herd vs Arkansas State Red Wolves Pick
Marshall Thundering Herd vs Arkansas State Red Wolves Pick
- Arkansas State -3.5
I’m backing Arkansas State minus the points in this matchup. Despite recent struggles, the Red Wolves have been more consistent offensively at home and match up well with Marshall’s up-tempo style. Their ability to force turnovers and convert in transition gives them an edge in a game that should feature plenty of possessions.
Marshall Thundering Herd vs Arkansas State Red Wolves Total Pick
- Over 164.5
I’m taking the over in this game. Both teams average over 80 points per game and prefer to play at a fast pace. With limited defensive efficiency on either side and plenty of scoring options, this matchup sets up well to push past the posted total.
Final Score Prediction:
Arkansas State Red Wolves 86, Marshall Thundering Herd 80
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