Nicholls Colonels vs UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Picks and Predictions for Monday March 9 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 03/09/2026, 01:05 AM ET

The Nicholls Colonels and UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros meet in the Southland Tournament - Quarterfinal on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET, and the game will be televised on ESPN+. At the time of this writing, the odds were not released. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more college basketball betting insight and analysis.

Nicholls Builds Confidence After Opening Tournament Win

Nicholls enters this quarterfinal matchup with a 14-18 overall record and a 12-10 mark in Southland play. The Colonels advanced to this round with a 61-47 win over Northwestern State in the first round. Over their last five games, Nicholls has recently won over Northwestern State, Southeastern Louisiana, and Lamar, while also recently losing to McNeese and Stephen F. Austin.

The Colonels averaged 72.9 points per game this season while allowing 74.5 points per contest. Nicholls shot 44% from the field and averaged 31.2 rebounds and 13.2 assists per game. Defensively, the Colonels produced 2.6 blocks and 8.9 steals per game, showing an ability to generate turnovers and create extra possessions even though rebounding has not been one of their stronger statistical categories.

A key tournament angle for Nicholls is the defensive effort shown in the first-round victory. In the 61-47 win over Northwestern State, Sincere Malone led the Colonels with 14 points, while Jalik Dunkley led the team with 7 rebounds. Nicholls held Northwestern State to just 29% shooting from the field and forced 14 turnovers, which helped keep the scoring low. With the short turnaround between games, maintaining that defensive intensity will be important if the Colonels want to continue their tournament run.

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UT Rio Grande Valley Opens Tournament Play with Rest Advantage

UT Rio Grande Valley enters the quarterfinal with an 18-13 overall record and a 14-8 record in Southland play. The Vaqueros received the bye into this round and will be playing their first game of the Southland Tournament. In their last five games, UT Rio Grande Valley has recently won over Northwestern State, East Texas A&M, Southeastern Louisiana, and Lamar, while recently losing to McNeese.

The Vaqueros averaged 75.5 points per game this season while allowing 69.1 points per contest. UT Rio Grande Valley shot 47% from the field and averaged 34.8 rebounds and 16.5 assists per game, highlighting strong ball movement and efficient offensive production. On defense, the Vaqueros averaged 2.8 blocks and 6.0 steals per game, contributing to their solid scoring margin during the season.

One key tournament-specific factor for UT Rio Grande Valley is the rest advantage after receiving the bye. In their most recent game, a 74-62 win over Northwestern State, Koree Cotton scored 21 points and also led the team with 7 rebounds. The Vaqueros shot 49% from the field, hit 39% from three-point range, and committed only nine turnovers in that game. That level of efficiency combined with the additional rest could help UT Rio Grande Valley control the pace in this quarterfinal matchup.

Nicholls Colonels vs UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Pick

Nicholls Colonels vs UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Spread Pick

Pick: UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros moneyline

UT Rio Grande Valley looks like the stronger side entering this matchup because of its overall efficiency and defensive numbers. The Vaqueros allow just 69.1 points per game, compared to 74.5 points allowed by Nicholls, and they also shoot 47% from the field, which is higher than the Colonels’ season percentage. Nicholls showed solid defense in the first round, but the Vaqueros’ offensive efficiency and rest advantage give them the edge.

Nicholls Colonels vs UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Total Pick

Pick: Under

I like the under in this matchup because Nicholls just played a first-round game that finished with only 108 total points, showing how effective their defense can be when they control tempo. UT Rio Grande Valley has strong defensive numbers as well, allowing just 69.1 points per game this season. With one team coming off a defensive battle and the other capable of slowing the pace, this game sets up as one where points could be harder to find.

Final Score Prediction: UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 72, Nicholls Colonels 65

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