Louisiana-Monroe vs Coastal Carolina Picks and Prediction – 1/4/2025

The UL Monroe Warhawks (4-11, 0-2 Sun Belt) face the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (7-7, 0-2 Sun Belt) in a Sun Belt matchup. UL Monroe is looking to bounce back after a tough 80-75 overtime loss to Old Dominion, while Coastal Carolina aims to recover from a 97-67 defeat to Arkansas State. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

UL Monroe enters this contest averaging 73.4 points per game on 43.3% shooting, led by guard Jalen Bolden, who averages 13.3 points per game. Bolden also leads in rebounds with 6.7 and is complemented by Tyreese Watson, who contributes 4.2 assists per game. The Warhawks have struggled recently, losing four of the last five games, highlighting issues with consistency on offense. 

Defensively, UL Monroe allows 73.5 points per game, which has been a key factor in the recent losing streak. They average 8.2 steals per game, showcasing an ability to create turnovers, but they struggle with rim protection, averaging only 1.9 blocks per game. Forward Makai Willis, with 0.7 blocks per contest, will need to step up in this matchup. Rebounding is also a concern, as the team averages 38.6 boards per game, giving opponents second-chance opportunities.

Coastal Carolina comes into the matchup scoring 69.1 points per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Guard RaSheed Jones leads the offense with 13.9 points per game, while Denzel Hines provides balance on the boards with 6.5 rebounds. Joshua Meo adds 2.5 assists, keeping the offense flowing. The Chanticleers won three of the last five games.

Defensively, Coastal Carolina has performed slightly better, allowing 68.3 points per game. They average 3.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per contest, relying heavily on team defense rather than standout individual performances. Noah Amenhauser leads the team with 0.8 blocks, but the Chanticleers will need to tighten the perimeter defense to avoid giving UL Monroe clean looks from three. 

Coastal Carolina’s balanced scoring attack and slightly better defensive performance give them the edge in this matchup. UL Monroe has struggled to close out games, and Coastal’s ability to limit turnovers and capitalize on shooting should tilt the game in their favor. Expect the Chanticleers to control the tempo and take advantage of Monroe’s defensive lapses. Final Score Prediction: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers win 76-68