Louisiana vs. Ball State Picks and Prediction for Monday, November 3, 2025

By: Jake Allman Published 11/02/2025, 09:12 PM ET

The college basketball season tips off in Muncie as the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns travel north to face the Ball State Cardinals in a MAC–Sun Belt Challenge matchup at Worthen Arena. Both programs enter the 2025–26 season with renewed energy but for very different reasons. Louisiana begins a rebuild under new head coach Quannas White, while Ball State looks to rebound from consecutive disappointing campaigns under Michael Lewis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Big board, bigger value — see our winning college basketball predictions.

Louisiana Preview

Louisiana closed last season at 12–21 and missed the postseason, a result that prompted the program to move in a new direction. White takes over after a successful assistant run at Houston, where he helped build a nationally respected defense. His first Cajuns roster features a veteran frontcourt with senior Sean Elkinton and junior Kyran Ratliff, both proven interior scorers who can rebound. The challenge lies in the backcourt, which is almost entirely new. Transfers such as Mostapha El Moutaouakkil are expected to stabilize the perimeter after the team struggled with turnovers and shooting consistency last season. Louisiana’s focus early will be on establishing its offense while allowing the frontcourt to set the tone with size and rebounding.

Ball State Preview

Ball State, on the other hand, enters its fourth season under Lewis with major roster turnover once again. After finishing 14–17 and missing the MAC tournament for a second straight year, the Cardinals added seven transfers and three freshmen to reshape the lineup. Lewis’ system emphasizes guard play, and this group leans heavily that way. Veterans like Elmore James IV, a transfer from Ohio, and Juwan Maxey from Youngstown State bring experience and scoring touch, while returning forward Mason Jones remains the team’s most familiar face. The Cardinals lost their primary interior size with the departure of Zane Doughty, leaving them undersized but quick on the perimeter. That lineup could create tempo advantages at home, where Lewis often pushes transition play early to wear down less experienced guards.

Ball State vs Louisiana Prediction

This matchup should reveal whether Louisiana’s new backcourt can handle sustained pressure. Ball State’s guard-heavy rotation will test the Cajuns’ ability to contain penetration and protect the paint without consistent rim protection from help defenders. Louisiana’s edge in size and rebounding could help slow the game, but Ball State’s familiarity with its home court and early chemistry from veteran guards gives it a measurable advantage in the opener.

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Prediction: Ball State 74, Louisiana 63.

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