On February 17, 2025, the Lamar Cardinals are set to face the Northwestern State Demons at Prather Coliseum in Natchitoches, Louisiana. This Southland Conference matchup carries significant weight for both teams as they vie for improved standings and potential tournament positioning.
Team Overview and Season Performance
The Lamar Cardinals enter the game with a 16-10 overall record, boasting an 11-4 mark in conference play. Their recent performance includes a notable 65-55 victory over East Texas A&M, where head coach Alvin Brooks secured his 100th career win. In that contest, Alexis Marmolejos led the team with 13 points, underscoring his role as a pivotal contributor this season.
On the other hand, the Northwestern State Demons hold a 12-14 overall record, with an 8-7 standing in the Southland Conference. Their season has been marked by inconsistency, but playing on their home court at Prather Coliseum offers an opportunity to capitalize on familiar surroundings and local support.
Statistical Comparison
Analyzing the season statistics provides insight into each team’s strengths and potential areas of advantage:
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Scoring and Shooting Efficiency: Lamar averages 71.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 43.4%. In contrast, Northwestern State averages 69.0 points per game, allowing 68.6 points to opponents. Lamar’s offensive efficiency could pose challenges for the Demons’ defense.
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Three-Point Shooting: The Cardinals have a slight edge in three-point accuracy, shooting 35.1% compared to the Demons’ 33.8%. This proficiency from beyond the arc could be a decisive factor, especially in a closely contested game.
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Rebounding: Lamar also holds a marginal advantage in total rebounds, averaging 38.0 per game against Northwestern State’s 36.7. Controlling the boards will be crucial for both teams to secure second-chance opportunities and limit the opponent’s possessions.
Key Players to Watch
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Lamar Cardinals: Alexis Marmolejos leads the team with an average of 14.9 points per game, showcasing his scoring versatility. Additionally, guard Ja’Sean Jackson has been instrumental, contributing 11.3 points per game over the last ten contests and facilitating ball movement with his playmaking abilities.
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Northwestern State Demons: Addison Patterson has been a consistent performer, averaging 14.2 points over the last ten games. His ability to penetrate defenses and score efficiently makes him a focal point of the Demons’ offense. Complementing him is Micah Thomas, who contributes 10.8 points per game and shoots 35.7% from three-point range, adding a perimeter threat to their offensive arsenal.
Coaching Analysis
Head coach Alvin Brooks of Lamar brings a wealth of experience and recently celebrated his 100th career victory, reflecting his strategic acumen and ability to motivate his team. His emphasis on disciplined defense and efficient offense has been evident throughout the season. For Northwestern State, head coach Corey Gipson is in his third season, working to instill a resilient mindset in his squad. Gipson’s focus on defensive intensity and transition play aims to disrupt opponents’ rhythm and create scoring opportunities.
Home Court Advantage
Prather Coliseum provides a familiar setting for the Demons, where crowd support can energize the home team and potentially influence game momentum. Historically, Northwestern State has performed better on their home court, leveraging the energy from their fans to elevate their play. However, Lamar’s experience and recent road successes suggest they are well-equipped to handle the challenges of an away game.
Tempo and Pace of Play
Both teams exhibit a balanced approach to tempo, with Lamar slightly favoring a controlled pace to maximize shot selection and minimize turnovers. Northwestern State, meanwhile, may look to increase the game’s tempo, utilizing quick transitions to exploit defensive gaps. The team that successfully imposes its preferred pace is likely to gain a strategic advantage.
Strength of Schedule and Advanced Metrics
Evaluating the quality of opponents faced, Lamar has encountered a slightly tougher schedule, which has tested and honed their resilience in close contests. Advanced metrics, such as KenPom ratings, indicate that Lamar holds a higher efficiency ranking on both offense and defense compared to Northwestern State. These metrics underscore the Cardinals’ balanced performance and potential edge in this matchup.
Historical Matchups
In their most recent encounter on January 27, 2025, Lamar secured a 69-59 victory over Northwestern State. In that game, the Cardinals overcame a halftime deficit, outscoring the Demons 41-26 in the second half. This comeback highlights Lamar’s ability to adjust and execute under pressure, a trait that could prove pivotal in the upcoming game.
Betting Insights and Line Movement
Pre-game analysis positions Northwestern State as a slight favorite by 1.5 points, with an over/under of 131.5 points. The narrow spread reflects the anticipated competitiveness of the matchup. Bettors may find value in considering Lamar’s recent performance and head-to-head success, potentially favoring the Cardinals against the spread. Additionally, given both teams’ offensive capabilities, the over on total points could be an enticing option.
Predicted Outcome
Considering the comprehensive analysis of team statistics, player performances, coaching strategies, and historical context, the projection for this game is:
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Predicted Final Score: Lamar Cardinals 72, Northwestern State Demons 68
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Confidence Level: Medium
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Recommended Bet Type: Spread – Taking Lamar +1.5
This recommendation is based on Lamar’s recent victories, including their prior win over Northwestern State, and their demonstrated ability to perform under pressure.
