Bettors will hope to hit paydirt on Saturday when the Nicholls State Colonels try to run the Cardinals off the court at Stopher Gym in college hoops action.

The Colonels sit at 7-16 (2-2 ATS) on the season. By comparison, the Cardinals are currently 16-8 (2-0 ATS). Looking to wager on the totals? Nicholls State is 2-2 OU, and Lamar is 1-1 OU.



View Lamar vs Nicholls State Odds and Stats.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
According to new college basketball power rankings here, it's the No. 330-ranked Colonels and the No. 38-rated Cardinals in this matchup. Computer formulas aimed at predicting NCAAB scores point to a 80-60 win for the Cardinals on Saturday.



How They Match Up:
Scoring and defensive stats point to some edges in this matchup. The game features Nicholls State's No. 222-ranked scoring average of 65.7 PPG, against a Cardinals defense rated No. 191 and allowing 67.4 PPG. The Colonels FG% has averaged 42.8% to date this season, less than the Cardinals shooters have managed so far (43.8% per game).

Defensively, Lamar features the nation's No. 208-rated defense on the road, allowing 71.3 points per game. Nicholls State, meanwhile, comes in at No. 94 nationally in scoring at home.

Lamar won its last outing, an 85-66 result against Northwestern State on February 8. Mike James scored 22 points leading the Cardinals to an 85-66 victory over Northwestern State at Montagne Center on Wednesday.

Last time out for Nicholls State, they were a 62-58 loser as they battled Stephen F. Austin on the road. Shane Rillieux scored 17 points in a futile effort to lead the Colonels to a win (they lost 62-58 to Stephen F. Austin at William R. Johnson Coliseum on Wednesday).

Next up:
Lamar home to Southeastern Louisiana, Wednesday, February 15
Nicholls State home to IUPUI, Saturday, February 18