Louisiana-Lafayette vs Texas State Picks and Prediction – 1/31/2025

The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns (6-15, 4-5 Sun Belt) take on the Texas State Bobcats (12-9, 5-4 Sun Belt) in a Sun Belt matchup. Louisiana enters this game after a 67-59 loss to Southern Miss, while Texas State looks to bounce back following an 80-65 loss to Arkansas State. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Louisiana has struggled offensively, averaging just 66.0 points per game while shooting 40.0% from the field. Mostapha El Moutaouakkil leads the team with 13.0 points per game, but scoring depth has been an issue. The Ragin’ Cajuns also struggle on the boards, averaging only 30.8 rebounds per contest. The lack of consistent ball movement is evident, with just 10.7 assists per game, making it difficult to create high-percentage shots.

Defensively, Louisiana allows 75.5 points per game, which has contributed to its recent struggles. The team forces turnovers at a decent rate with 7.4 steals per game, but the defense has been weak inside, managing just 3.1 blocks per contest. Jeremiah Evans leads the team in blocks, but at 0.7 per game, rim protection is lacking. 

Texas State comes into this game scoring 77.5 points per game while shooting 47.0% from the floor. Tylan Pope leads the team in scoring with 16.1 points per game, and his accuracy (54.0% FG) has been a key factor in the Bobcats' success. The team shares the ball well, averaging 14.0 assists per game, led by Kaden Gumbs, who dishes out 4.4 assists per contest. Texas State also dominates the boards, averaging 37.3 rebounds per game.

Defensively, Texas State allows 72.1 points per game, which isn’t elite but is still better than Louisiana’s defense. The Bobcats protect the paint well, averaging 4.1 blocks per game, with Pope contributing 1.6 blocks per contest. They also have a solid perimeter defense, forcing 6.9 steals per game. 

Louisiana has struggled on both ends of the floor, especially in rebounding and defense. Texas State’s ability to score efficiently and dominate the boards should be the difference in this game. With Pope leading the charge and solid defensive play, Texas State should control this matchup from start to finish. Final Score Prediction: Texas State Bobcats win and covers 82-68.