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Bryan (TN) Lions () @ Samford Bulldogs (5-6)
2025-12-15T18:00Z
Pete Hanna Center
ESPN+
Samford enters this non-conference tune-up game at 5-6, looking to build some momentum before conference play heats up. The Bulldogs have the home court advantage at Pete Hanna Center and should use this game to work on their offensive sets against a lesser opponent. Their Southern Conference experience gives them a significant edge in terms of competition level.
Bryan College, an NAIA program from Dayton, Tennessee, faces a steep challenge stepping up to Division I competition. The Lions simply lack the size, depth, and athleticism to compete at this level, and road games against D1 teams typically result in lopsided affairs. This is a scheduling cupcake for Samford, designed to give them an easy win before the holiday break.
Expect Samford to control this game from the opening tip. The Bulldogs should dominate the glass, force turnovers, and push the pace in transition. This is a classic buy game where the home team should win comfortably, likely by 25 or more points. Samford's bench will see extended minutes as the starters rest for more meaningful games ahead.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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Ecclesia Royals () @ Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (1-10)
2025-12-16T00:00Z
H.O. Clemmons Arena
Arkansas-Pine Bluff enters this game desperately seeking their second win of the season after a brutal 1-10 start. The Golden Lions have struggled mightily on both ends of the floor, but playing at H.O. Clemmons Arena should provide some comfort. Against an NCCAA opponent like Ecclesia, UAPB finally has a winnable game on the schedule.
Ecclesia College, a small Christian school from Springdale, Arkansas, competes in the NCCAA and lacks the talent and depth to compete with even struggling Division I programs. The Royals are essentially a glorified practice squad for UAPB, and this scheduling move is purely about getting the Golden Lions a confidence-building victory during a difficult season.
This should be the easiest game on Pine Bluff's schedule all year. Even with their struggles, the Division I talent gap is simply too wide for Ecclesia to overcome. Look for UAPB to finally look competent, controlling the game with their size advantage inside and getting multiple players into double figures. A 30-plus point margin would not be surprising.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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Wofford Terriers (6-4) @ Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs (1-11)
2025-12-16T00:00Z
Paul Porter Arena
ESPN+
Line: WOF -11.5
Total: 156.5
Wofford comes into this Southern Conference matchup at 6-4, playing solid basketball and looking like a team that could make some noise in the league. The Terriers have been competitive against quality opponents and should have no trouble on the road against a struggling Gardner-Webb squad. Wofford's guard play and three-point shooting will be the difference in this one.
Gardner-Webb is having a season to forget at 1-11, and the Runnin' Bulldogs have shown few signs of turning things around. Playing at Paul Porter Arena provides minimal advantage when you're losing to everyone. The defensive effort has been lacking, and the offense struggles to generate quality looks against even mediocre competition.
The 11.5-point spread accurately reflects the talent disparity here. Wofford should jump out to an early lead and never look back, controlling the tempo and making Gardner-Webb work for every basket. The Terriers have the depth to stay fresh while the home team wilts. Look for a comfortable double-digit victory that could push toward 15-18 points if Gardner-Webb's defense remains porous.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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Rhodes Lynx () @ Stetson Hatters (3-8)
2025-12-16T00:00Z
Edmunds Center
ESPN+
Stetson sits at 3-8 and desperately needs a win to build any momentum heading into conference play. The Hatters have struggled against quality competition but should find relief against a Division III opponent. Playing at Edmunds Center, Stetson has the home court and the clear talent advantage to get a much-needed victory.
Rhodes College is a Division III program from Memphis, Tennessee, and this matchup represents a massive step up in competition. The Lynx compete in the Southern Athletic Association against other small liberal arts schools, and the jump to Division I basketball is enormous. Rhodes simply does not have the size, athleticism, or depth to hang with a D1 program, even a struggling one.
This is a classic paycheck game where Stetson should dominate from start to finish. The Hatters will look to establish their inside game, push in transition, and build confidence offensively. Expect Stetson to win by 30 or more as they use this game to work on their half-court offense and get bench players valuable minutes before tougher tests ahead.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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Niagara Purple Eagles (2-8) @ VCU Rams (6-4)
2025-12-16T00:00Z
Siegel Center
ESPN+, MASN
Line: VCU -31.5
Total: 142.5
VCU comes into this game at 6-4 and looking to make a statement at home. The Rams have been solid at the Siegel Center, where their defensive intensity and full-court pressure can wear down opponents. VCU's style of play is particularly brutal for struggling teams to handle, as they force turnovers and create easy transition opportunities.
Niagara is having a nightmare season at 2-8, and traveling to Richmond to face a VCU team known for their havoc-inducing defense is not a recipe for success. The Purple Eagles have struggled to take care of the basketball and face consistent pressure, exactly the type of opposition VCU provides. This road trip feels like a mismatch from the opening tip.
The 31.5-point spread is massive, but it might actually be warranted given the circumstances. VCU's press will force Niagara into countless turnovers, leading to easy buckets in transition. The Rams should dominate the glass and control every phase of the game. This has the potential to be an embarrassing blowout if Niagara cannot handle VCU's relentless defensive pressure.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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East Texas A&M Lions (5-5) @ SE Louisiana Lions (4-6)
2025-12-16T00:00Z
University Center
ESPN+
Line: SELA -4.5
Total: 137.5
Southeastern Louisiana holds home court advantage in this Southland Conference clash, sitting at 4-6 and looking to get back to .500. The Lions have been inconsistent but play much better at the University Center where the crowd can provide an energy boost. As a 4.5-point favorite, they're expected to use that home cooking to secure a victory.
East Texas A&M arrives at 5-5, playing competitive basketball but struggling in true road environments. The Lions from Commerce have shown flashes of potential but lack the consistency needed to win conference road games. Their offense can go cold for extended stretches, and that is a recipe for disaster on the road.
This projects as a grind-it-out conference game with neither team pulling away easily. The total of 137.5 suggests a slower-paced, defensive affair which could favor the home team. Expect SE Louisiana to use their familiarity with the home court to eke out a close victory, though covering the spread might be dicey in what should be a competitive game down to the final minutes.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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Campbellsville Tigers () @ Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (6-3)
2025-12-16T00:30Z
E.A. Diddle Arena
ESPN+
Western Kentucky enters this game at 6-3 and playing quality basketball at E.A. Diddle Arena. The Hilltoppers have proven they can compete with solid competition this season, and this non-conference matchup provides an opportunity to fine-tune their offense before conference play intensifies. WKU's size and athleticism should overwhelm their NAIA opponent.
Campbellsville is an NAIA school from Kentucky that simply cannot compete at the Division I level. The Tigers may have some talented players by NAIA standards, but the gap in size, speed, and depth against a Conference USA program is enormous. This is a scheduling cupcake designed to give WKU an easy win and rest for key players.
This game should be over by halftime. Western Kentucky will score in transition, dominate the paint, and force turnovers with their length and athleticism. Expect the Hilltoppers to win by 40-plus points while getting extensive bench minutes. The coaching staff will use this as an extended practice session to work on sets they want to run in conference play.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles () @ North Dakota State Bison (9-3)
2025-12-16T01:00Z
Scheels Center
Summit League Network, WDAY
North Dakota State is rolling at 9-3 and looking like a legitimate Summit League contender. The Bison have been dominant at the Scheels Center, where their physical style of play wears down opponents. NDSU's balanced scoring attack and solid defense make them a tough out for any team, let alone a Division II opponent.
Minnesota Crookston competes in Division II as part of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and this represents a significant step up in competition. The Golden Eagles lack the depth and talent to hang with a hot D1 program, especially one as well-coached as North Dakota State. This road environment will be hostile and unforgiving.
NDSU should cruise to an easy victory here. The Bison will control the tempo, dominate the glass, and force Crookston into uncomfortable situations offensively. Expect North Dakota State to win by 35 or more while using this game to stay sharp and get bench players extended run. The starters will likely see limited second-half minutes.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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East-West University Phantoms () @ Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles (3-7)
2025-12-16T01:00Z
Liberty Arena (IN)
ESPN+
Southern Indiana comes into this game at 3-7, struggling through a difficult transition to Division I basketball. The Screaming Eagles are still finding their footing at the higher level, but this non-conference game against a much smaller program provides an opportunity to build confidence. Playing at Liberty Arena should help USI get comfortable and play free.
East-West University is a small NAIA school from Chicago that faces an enormous challenge stepping onto a Division I court. The Phantoms simply do not have the athletes, size, or depth to compete at this level. This game is purely about giving Southern Indiana an easy win against a vastly overmatched opponent.
Even with their struggles, USI should handle this game with ease. The Screaming Eagles will dominate inside, create turnovers, and run in transition against an opponent who cannot match their athleticism. Expect Southern Indiana to win by 40 or more points while getting the entire roster meaningful minutes. This is a must-win for a team desperately seeking confidence.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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Wyoming Cowboys (8-2) @ South Dakota State Jackrabbits (7-5)
2025-12-16T01:00Z
Sanford Pentagon
Midco Sports Plus
Line: WYO -5.5
Total: 151.5
Wyoming arrives at 8-2 and playing some of the best basketball in the Mountain West. The Cowboys have been efficient on offense and stingy on defense, creating a balanced attack that travels well. As 5.5-point favorites on the road at Sanford Pentagon, Wyoming is expected to continue their strong start against a quality mid-major opponent.
South Dakota State sits at 7-5 and has been competitive in most games this season. The Jackrabbits play a deliberate style that can keep games close and make things uncomfortable for higher-ranked opponents. Playing at the Pentagon provides an intimate atmosphere that can energize the home team, though Wyoming's experience and depth may be too much to overcome.
This should be a quality basketball game between two well-coached programs. The total of 151.5 suggests a moderate pace with both teams getting into their offensive sets. Wyoming's edge comes from their guard play and ability to make shots from the perimeter. Expect a competitive game that the Cowboys ultimately control in the second half, winning by 7-10 points.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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North Alabama Lions (5-4) @ Alabama A&M Bulldogs (5-4)
2025-12-16T01:00Z
Event Center
Line: UNA -3.5
Total: 138.5
North Alabama comes in at 5-4 and favored by 3.5 points on the road, which speaks to the Lions' quality of play this season. UNA has been competitive in the ASUN Conference and brings a level of experience and toughness that translates well on the road. Their balanced scoring attack makes them difficult to game-plan against.
Alabama A&M also sits at 5-4 in what shapes up as a battle between in-state rivals with identical records. The Bulldogs have home court advantage at the Event Center, and the crowd factor in rivalry games can make a difference. AAMU needs to control the pace and avoid the turnover bug that has plagued them at times this season.
This is a classic toss-up game where home court could be the deciding factor. The 3.5-point spread suggests a close, competitive affair that could go either way. The total of 138.5 indicates a defensive battle with both teams grinding out possessions. Expect a tight game that comes down to the final few minutes, with the team that executes better down the stretch taking home the victory.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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McNeese Cowboys (9-2) @ Houston Christian Huskies (5-5)
2025-12-16T01:00Z
Sharp Gymnasium
ESPN+
Line: MCN -14.5
Total: 136.5
McNeese is off to a tremendous 9-2 start and looks like the class of the Southland Conference. The Cowboys have been dominant on both ends of the floor, and their balanced attack features multiple scoring options. As 14.5-point road favorites, McNeese is expected to handle Houston Christian comfortably in this conference matchup.
Houston Christian sits at 5-5, a respectable record but one that exposes their limitations against the league's elite teams. The Huskies play hard at Sharp Gymnasium but lack the firepower to keep pace with a high-powered offense like McNeese brings. HCU will need a near-perfect shooting night just to stay competitive.
McNeese should control this game from start to finish. The Cowboys have the talent edge at every position and the coaching to exploit Houston Christian's weaknesses. Expect McNeese to push the tempo, create turnovers, and score in transition. A 15-20 point victory is the likely outcome as the Cowboys continue their march toward a conference title.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data
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Incarnate Word Cardinals (5-5) @ TCU Horned Frogs (6-3)
2025-12-16T01:00Z
Schollmaier Arena
ESPN+
Line: TCU -17.5
Total: 142.5
TCU enters this non-conference game at 6-3, playing solid basketball at Schollmaier Arena. The Horned Frogs have Big 12 Conference aspirations and need to handle business against smaller programs like Incarnate Word. TCU's size, athleticism, and depth should overwhelm their Southland Conference opponent in this late-season tune-up.
Incarnate Word arrives at 5-5, a decent record for a Southland program but one that does not reflect readiness for Big 12 competition. The Cardinals from San Antonio will face a massive step up in athleticism and physicality. Playing in Fort Worth against a hostile crowd adds another layer of difficulty to an already challenging matchup.
The 17.5-point spread accurately reflects the talent gap between these programs. TCU should dominate inside, control the glass, and force turnovers with their length and athleticism. The Horned Frogs will use this game to work on their half-court offense while building confidence before conference play resumes. A 20-plus point victory is the likely outcome as TCU handles business at home.
Sources: ESPN, Team Stats, Official League Data