Texas-Rio Grande Valley vs Northwestern State Picks and Prediction – 2/4/2025

UT Rio Grande Valley enters this matchup with a 13-9 record and a 5-6 mark in conference play. The Vaqueros are coming off a tough 82-75 loss to Nicholls, but they remain an offensive force, averaging 78.3 points per game while shooting 44.9% from the field. DK Thorn leads the scoring effort with 12.1 points per game while also posting a strong 41.9% field goal percentage. Trey Miller is the playmaker on the offense with 4.3 assists per game, helping UT Rio Grande Valley maintain a fast-paced attack. The team also generates 7.5 steals per game. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Defensively, the Vaqueros allow 72.5 points per game, which could be a factor against a Northwestern State team that struggles to score consistently. Despite allowing points, UT Rio Grande Valley has been solid on the boards, pulling down 38.5 rebounds per game, led by Howie Fleming Jr. with 6.6 per game. The interior defense is anchored by Kwo Agwa, who averages 1.1 blocks per contest. 

Northwestern State sits at 9-12 with a 6-5 conference record and has dropped two straight games, most recently a 69-59 loss to Lamar. The Demons average just 69.3 points per game while shooting 43.3% from the field. Addison Patterson is the focal point of the offense, leading the team with 12.9 points and 3.4 assists per game. The supporting cast has been inconsistent, and the team's 14.0 assists per game suggest a lack of efficient ball movement.

Defensively, Northwestern State allows 69.4 points per game, slightly better than UT Rio Grande Valley’s defensive numbers. The Demons make up for scoring struggles with solid rim protection, as Jerald Colonel averages 2.5 blocks per game. Willie Williams leads the team with 7.3 rebounds per game, helping Northwestern State control the glass. 

The Vaqueros have the edge offensively and should be able to push the tempo against a Northwestern State team that struggles to score consistently. The combination of DK Thorn’s scoring and Trey Miller’s playmaking will be key. Look for UT Rio Grande Valley to control the pace and wear down the Demons on both ends of the floor. Final Score Prediction: UT Rio Grande Valley wins 75-68.