Texas State vs Louisiana-Monroe 1/13/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The UL Monroe Warhawks will travel to Strahan Arena at the University Events Center to take on the Texas State Bobcats this Thursday night in College Basketball action.

The UL Monroe Warhawks dropped to 9-7 on the season after being defeated by the Arkansas State Red Wolves, 90-83, this past Saturday. UL Monroe led by a 51-42 margin at halftime, however, the offense stalled out in the 2^nd half and Arkansas State was able to get the come from behind victory after closing out the final 6:47 of regulation on a 30-13 run. UL Monroe shot 47.2% from the field & 37.5% from beyond the arc while allowing Arkansas State to shoot 56.7% from the field & 41.2% from beyond the arc. Leading the way for the Warhawks was Nika Metskhvarishvili who had 22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, & 2 steals in 33 minutes from off the bench.

On the season, UL Monroe is averaging 79.0 ppg on 48.2% shooting from the field. The Warhawks are averaging 7.6 three-pointers per game on 35.1% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, UL Monroe has been led by Andre Jones (13.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.7 spg), Russell Harrison (13.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.1 spg), Koreem Ozier (12.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.3 spg), & Thomas Howell (9.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.3 apg).

Defensively, UL Monroe is allowing their opponents to average 77.4 ppg on 45.7% shooting from the field. The Warhawks have a rebound margin of -4.1 and a turnover margin of 3.2.

The Texas State Bobcats lost their 2^nd straight game and dropped to 9-4 on the season after being defeated by the Troy Trojans, 78-63, on December 30^th. Texas State struggled defensively against Troy and could not fight back after the Trojans went into halftime with a 33-24 lead. Texas State shot 37.5% from the field & 23.8% from beyond the arc while allowing Troy to shoot 54.7% from the field & 33.3% from beyond the arc. Leading the way for the Bobcats was Isiah Small who had 17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, & 2 steals.

On the season, Texas State is averaging 73.5 ppg on 47.7% shooting from the field. The Bobcats are averaging 6.2 three-pointers per game on 35.7% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Texas State has been led by Caleb Asberry (13.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.1 spg), Isiah Small (11.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.1 spg), Mason Harrell (9.9 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 2.7 apg), & Shelby Adams (9.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg).

Defensively, Texas State is holding their opponents to an average of 63.7 ppg on 42.6% shooting from the field. The Bobcats have a rebound margin of 4.9 and a turnover margin of 3.2.

The Warhawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games, however, are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. Texas State. The Bobcats are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games, however, are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Thursday games.

UL Monroe has been led by their offense which ranks t-38^th in scoring offense & 27^th in FG%, however, the defense has struggled and come into this matchup ranked just 325^th in scoring defense & 310^th in defensive FG%. Texas State has been solid on both ends of the court this season and come into this game ranked 147^th in scoring offense, 39^th in FG%, & 65^th in scoring defense.

Texas State is no doubt the better team, however, the Bobcats haven’t had a game in about two weeks, and it was a bit concerning to see their defense struggle so much at home against Troy. UL Monroe can be hit or miss on the offensive end and certainly has struggled defensively, however, the Warhawks do have a solid road win at Stephen F. Austin and as I think their offense will have some success in this one, I think the play here is to take UL Monroe and the points. Good Luck!