Northwestern State Demons vs Nicholls Colonels Picks and Predictions for Sunday March 8 2026
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The Northwestern State Demons face the Nicholls Colonels in the Southland Tournament First Round on Sunday night at Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM with the game available on ESPN+. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. For more betting insights and daily analysis across college basketball, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks.
Demons Looking for Tournament Upset
Northwestern State enters the Southland Tournament with a 10-21 overall record and an 8-14 mark in conference play. The Demons have struggled for consistency this season but have still shown the ability to compete in certain matchups. Over their last five games, Northwestern State has recently lost to UTRGV 74-62, recently lost to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 71-59, recently won over UIW 54-49, recently won over Houston Christian 71-53, and recently lost to McNeese 75-64.
Offensively, the Demons average 69.0 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the field. They also average 12.0 assists per contest and collect 31.3 rebounds per game. Defensively, Northwestern State contributes with 2.4 blocks and 6.4 steals per contest, which can help create extra possessions.
One of the biggest challenges for Northwestern State this season has been maintaining defensive consistency. The Demons allow 72.8 points per game, which has made it difficult for them to close out games against stronger conference opponents. If they hope to advance in the tournament, they will need to improve their defensive intensity and limit scoring runs from Nicholls.
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Colonels Hoping to Control the Pace
Nicholls enters the Southland Tournament with a 13-18 overall record and a 12-10 mark in conference play. The Colonels have been competitive within the Southland Conference and have shown the ability to win close games. In their last five contests, Nicholls has recently lost to McNeese 75-65, recently won over Southeastern Louisiana 68-60, recently won over Lamar 53-52, recently lost to Stephen F. Austin 81-78, and recently lost to Houston Christian 72-68.
The Colonels average 72.9 points per game while allowing 75.4 points per game defensively. They shoot 44 percent from the field and average 13.2 assists per game, showing solid offensive movement when they are executing well. Nicholls also averages 31.2 rebounds per game and contributes defensively with 2.6 blocks and 8.9 steals per contest.
One of Nicholls’ biggest defensive strengths is their ability to generate turnovers. With nearly nine steals per game, the Colonels often disrupt opposing offenses and create transition scoring opportunities. If Nicholls can apply consistent defensive pressure and take advantage of those extra possessions, they could control the flow of this tournament matchup.
Northwestern State Demons vs Nicholls Colonels Pick
Northwestern State Demons vs Nicholls Colonels Pick
- Nicholls Colonels - Spread
Nicholls enters this Southland Tournament matchup with the stronger conference record and a defensive style that can create problems for opponents. Their ability to generate steals and force turnovers could be a key factor against a Northwestern State offense that has struggled to find consistent scoring.
While Northwestern State has shown the ability to compete in certain games, Nicholls’ defensive pressure and slightly stronger offensive production should give them the advantage. If the Colonels are able to control the pace and capitalize on turnovers, they should be able to cover the spread and advance in the Southland Tournament.
Northwestern State Demons vs Nicholls Colonels Total Pick
- Under #
I like the under in this matchup because both teams have shown inconsistency offensively throughout the season. Northwestern State averages just 69 points per game, while Nicholls averages around 73 points per contest.
Tournament games can often slow down as teams focus more on defense and limiting mistakes. If both teams play a more controlled pace and focus on half-court execution, the total could stay under.
Final Score Prediction: Nicholls Colonels 71, Northwestern State Demons 64
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