New Orleans at TCU Picks and Predictions for Monday, November 3, 2025

By: David Anicetti Published 11/02/2025, 10:27 PM ET

The college basketball season tips off Monday night in Fort Worth as the TCU Horned Frogs host the New Orleans Privateers at Schollmaier Arena. Jamie Dixon’s program looks to reassert itself in the Big 12, while New Orleans enters year two under head coach Stacy Hollowell with a retooled roster and a new direction. Tip-off is at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Make the winning three-pointer with our free college basketball picks.

Game Information for New Orleans vs TCU

Location: Schollmaier Arena, Fort Worth, TX

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN+

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New Orleans Privateers

The Privateers arrive with a roster overhaul and a clear emphasis on size and rebounding. Only two players return from last season, but a wave of transfers and freshmen have been added to the program. Sophomore forward MJ Thomas, who led the Southland Conference in rebounding, anchors the lineup. Guards Jakevion Buckley from Southeastern Louisiana and Coleton Benson from Texas State add experience and scoring punch on the perimeter.

New Orleans features seven players at 6-foot-8 or taller, including 7-foot-4 center Mathok Majok, giving the team a major interior advantage compared with recent years. Percy Miller’s addition to the basketball operations staff has helped with recruiting, but time will tell how the players gel as a team. The Privateers face one of the toughest opening-night matchups in the country, entering as significant underdogs against a Power Six opponent.

TCU Horned Frogs

TCU begins the season looking to climb the Big 12 standings after a .500 finish a year ago. The Horned Frogs lost several key scorers but return a capable frontcourt led by David Punch and Micah Robinson. Transfers Brock Harding from Iowa and RJ Jones from Kansas State bring reliable guard play, while center Vianney Salatchoum brings rim protection.

Jamie Dixon’s formula of physical defense and rebounding remains the team’s foundation. With improved depth across the backcourt, TCU has a clear advantage on opening night. Oddsmakers opened the Horned Frogs as heavy favorites, with the total in the mid-130s suggesting a slower pace typical of early-season games. Expect TCU to use its depth and home-court advantage to control tempo and wear down the Privateers after halftime.

New Orleans at TCU Prediction

TCU’s experience, size, and home advantage make it the clear pick. New Orleans has intriguing size but faces too much pressure on defense and a strong offense from the Horned Frogs. Expect TCU to dominate the glass, limit transition chances, and open its season with a comfortable win. Final Score Prediction: TCU Horned Frogs win and cover ATS 80-52

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