On Saturday, November 14, 2026, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will travel to Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux, LA, to take on the Nicholls Colonels. The game is set to start at 8:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+. This non-conference matchup pits Sun Belt's Louisiana Tech against Southland's Nicholls.
Louisiana Tech enters with a 2-1 record for the season, showing strength at home with two wins but falling short in their only away game. Key players like Jaylen Fenner and Braylon Wenger have contributed significantly in recent games. Their performance will be crucial as they face a tough opponent in Nicholls.
Nicholls holds a 1-2 record, having secured their only win at home. Players such as AJ Dent and Sheridan Sharp have been standout performers for the Colonels. Nicholls is slightly favored with a spread of -1, and they will aim to maintain their home dominance in this early-season contest.
Nicholls vs Louisiana Tech At a Glance
- Matchup: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs Nicholls Colonels
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Stopher Gymnasium, Thibodaux LA
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Odds Favorite: Nicholls with a spread of -1
- Louisiana Tech Record: 2-1 in the 2027 Regular Season
Nicholls Colonels Gear Up for Their Next Basketball Game
Offensive Performance
The Nicholls Colonels average 78.7 points per game. This places them in the middle of the pack nationally.
They attempt 66.3 field goals per game, with a success rate of 44.7%. Their effective field goal percentage stands at 51.3%.
Shooting Efficiency
The Colonels take 38.3 two-point attempts per game, converting 55.7% of them. This is a strength they aim to leverage.
From beyond the arc, they average 8.3 made threes per game, but their accuracy is just 29.8%. Improving this area could boost their scoring.
Free Throw and Rebounding
Free throws are an area of concern, with only 11 made per game. Their free throw percentage is 70.2%, indicating room for improvement.
On the boards, the Colonels grab 35.7 rebounds per game. This places them lower compared to other teams, highlighting a potential weakness.
Key Players
AJ Dent leads the team with 13.7 points per game. He also averages 6.3 rebounds, providing a solid presence on both ends.
Sheridan Sharp contributes with 11 points and 5.7 assists per game. His playmaking is essential for their offense.
Defensive Efforts
The Colonels average 11.7 steals per game, which is a positive aspect of their defense. This allows them to create scoring opportunities from turnovers.
However, they commit 17.7 fouls per game, which could lead to giving away easy points. Reducing fouls is crucial for their success.
Nicholls Colonels Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-2 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-1-1 (33.3%)
- ATS as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-2 (0.0%)
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Ready for Their Next Challenge
Offensive Performance Overview
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are currently averaging 70.3 points per game. Their field goal percentage stands at 45.2%, placing them in the middle of the pack nationally. With 5.3 three-pointers made per game, their outside shooting remains an area for improvement.
The team's 2-point shooting shows promise at a rate of 54.5%. Their free throw shooting could see better days, as they connect on 68.3% of their attempts. Improving these stats will be key for upcoming games.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, the Bulldogs are managing 9.3 steals per game. This suggests they can pressure opponents effectively. Their block average is 0.7 per game, showing strength in protecting the paint.
They commit 15.3 fouls per game, which is relatively low. Keeping fouls down will be crucial in maintaining defensive effectiveness. Turnovers per game stand at 13.0, indicating room for improvement in ball handling.
Key Players to Watch
Braylon Wenger leads the Bulldogs with 15 points per game. His shooting percentage of 44% highlights his scoring ability. Another key player, Jaylen Fenner, averages 10.3 points with an impressive 50% field goal percentage.
Jay Tyler contributes significantly with 9.3 points and 3.7 assists per game. Meanwhile, Iyran Francis Jr. is crucial on the boards, pulling down 6.3 rebounds on average. These players are central to the team's performance.
Recent Game Recaps
In a recent game against LSU, the Bulldogs fell 90-50. Their shooting percentage was just 31.6% during this matchup. A previous game against Arkansas-Monticello was a different story, with the Bulldogs winning 76-17.
Against Kent State, Louisiana Tech secured an 85-75 victory. They shot 51.9% from the field, showcasing their offensive potential. These outcomes demonstrate their varying performances this season.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-1-1 (33.3%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU All Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
- ATS All Games: 1-1-1 (33.3%)
Nicholls vs Louisiana Tech Prediction: Louisiana Tech +1
Louisiana Tech enters this game with a 2-1 record, having secured both victories at home. Although they struggled in their lone away game, the Bulldogs have a history of performing well against Nicholls. In their last meeting, Louisiana Tech won by 13 points, showing they can handle this opponent.
Nicholls, on the other hand, has a 1-2 record with both losses occurring on the road. Their offensive stats are better than Louisiana Tech, but they face challenges on defense, allowing more steals per game. Playing at home should help them, but it might not be enough against a team like Louisiana Tech.
The betting line currently favors Nicholls by one point, but considering their past results against Louisiana Tech, the Bulldogs seem to have the edge. With Louisiana Tech's ability to win against Nicholls previously, taking them at +1 feels like a strong play.
Given the data and past performances, it seems likely that Louisiana Tech can cover the spread and potentially win outright. A projected final score might be Louisiana Tech 72 - Nicholls 68, supporting the decision to take Louisiana Tech +1.
- Nicholls vs Louisiana Tech Prediction: Louisiana Tech +1
- Nicholls vs Louisiana Tech Score: Louisiana Tech 72 - Nicholls 68
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Get more picks and sports insights in your inbox
Subscribe to the Knup newsletter for nightly CBB previews, sports business notes, and ecosystem updates.