Stephen F. Austin at Fresno State — Picks & Prediction for Tuesday, November 18, 2025

By: Garrett Beaverson Published 11/18/2025, 01:50 AM ET
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The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks travel to the San Joaquin Valley to face the Fresno State Bulldogs on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Get in on all the action with our free college basketball picks.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Analysis

SFA enters this game riding early-season confidence and an uptempo offense. Their returning core and new veteran additions are central to their success. Betting on sports and on Stephen F. Austin is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks.

Key Player Stats & Team Metrics

  • The Lumberjacks are 4–0 to start the season.

  • Keon Thompson, a senior guard, leads the team with 22 points per game.

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  • Jerald Colonel, a senior forward, is the leading rebounder at 8 boards per game.

  • Team pace is very high — SFA is averaging 96.5 points per 100 possessions.

Strengths:

  • High-tempo offense: SFA’s pace and transition game create a lot of scoring opportunities.

  • Veteran leadership: With players like Thompson and Colonel, they have experience to execute under pressure.

  • Efficient two-point shooting: Early stats show SFA is making more than half of its two-point attempts.

Weaknesses:

  • Turnovers risk: Playing fast can lead to more careless errors if their execution slips.

  • Free throw shooting: Early numbers (SFA has made only 24 of 44 free throw attempts in two games) suggest a potential weakness

  • Depth concerns: Outside their top players, production may be less consistent.

Fresno State Bulldogs Analysis

Fresno State returns with a mix of veteran guards and some promising new pieces this season. They will look to defend at home and make SFA work for every point. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Fresno State with the Novig promo code.

Key Player Stats & Team Metrics

  • The Bulldogs are 3–2 so far in the 2025–26 season.

  • Jake Heidbreder, a senior guard, is leading Fresno State in scoring with 17.8 points per game.

  • Zaon Collins averages 4.8 assists per game, showing his importance in the backcourt.

  • Wilson Jacques, a freshman center, is pulling down 6.4 rebounds per game.

Strengths:

  • Backcourt playmaking: With Heidbreder and Collins, Fresno State has experienced guards who can control tempo and generate offense.

  • Size inside: The emergence of Jacques gives them more presence on the boards and in the paint.

  • Balanced scoring: Several players can contribute offensively, making them harder to defend.

Weaknesses:

  • Shooting volatility: Their three-point percentage (.296 through four games) is modest.

  • Defensive consistency: Against an up-tempo team like SFA, their rotations will be tested.

  • Experience at forward: Some of their younger frontcourt players will need to step up to match SFA’s physicality.

Standout Players & Key Notes

  • Stephen F. Austin:

    • Keon Thompson — the primary scorer and veteran guard who can take over games.

    • Jerald Colonel — critical on the boards, both offensively and defensively.

    • Chrishawn Christmas — another senior guard who helps with playmaking and stability.

  • Fresno State:

    • Jake Heidbreder — go-to scorer and leader in the backcourt.

    • Zaon Collins — facilitating, creating, and pushing the pace when needed.

    • Wilson Jacques — their interior anchor; if he can protect the paint and rebound, Fresno State improves significantly.

  • Coaching Context:

    • For SFA, head coach Matt Braeuer is guiding the Lumberjacks in a new era.

    • Fresno State is led by Vance Walberg, relying on his system to maximize the strengths of his guards and young bigs.

Stephen F. Austin vs Fresno State Prediction Reasoning

This game will likely be defined by pace:

  • SFA wants to push the ball, create transition opportunities, and score quickly.

  • Fresno State must use its ball-handlers and size to slow things, defend in the half-court, and control possessions.

If SFA can maintain its tempo and limit mistakes, they have a strong chance to dominate. But Fresno State’s backcourt and interior size give them a fighting chance — especially in key possessions late. Make sure when you place your bet on Stephen F. Austin vs Fresno State you are using the BetMGM bonus code.

Final Score Projection: Stephen F. Austin 83, Fresno State 78

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Best Picks

  • SFA ML — given their fast pace and veteran leadership, they’re a good pick.
  • Over up to 160.5 total points
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