New Orleans Privateers vs Nicholls Colonels Pick & Prediction – 1/27/2026

The Southland Conference serves up an important matchup on Tuesday when the New Orleans Privateers visit the Nicholls State Colonels in Louisiana. Nicholls is off to a good start in Southland play this season and is trying to help its seeding prospects with conference tournament time just over a month away. They will try to protect their home court against a New Orleans team that can get back to .500 in conference play with a win. Before tip-off from Thibodaux, continue reading for my New Orleans vs Nicholls prediction.

Our New Orleans vs Nicholls Pick

Game Snapshot

• Matchup: New Orleans Privateers @ Nicholls Colonels
• Date & Time: Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 3:30 PM ET
• Venue: David R. Stopher Gymnasium, Thibodaux, LA
• Broadcast: ESPN+

Key Storylines

• Nicholls has struggled recently with a four-game skid after a loss to Southeastern Louisiana. They enter at 8-12 overall and 7-4 in conference play. The Colonels rely on balanced scoring, led by Jaylen Searles at 14.7 points per game, Jalik Dunkley at 13.6 points per game, and Sincere Malone at 11.4 points per game. Three of Nicholls’ four straight losses have come against teams near the top of the Southland standings, and this game is a chance for them to get back on track at home.
• New Orleans is 7-13 overall and 5-6 in Southland play. The Privateers recently earned a win over Lamar before falling at McNeese. Coleton Benson leads the team with 15.9 points per game, followed by Jakevion Buckley at 13.9 points per game, and MJ Thomas at 11.4 points per game. Their backcourt can score in bunches, but defensive lapses remain an issue for the Privateers.
• New Orleans allows 81.4 points per game while scoring 74.2. Nicholls gives up 76.7 points per game and scores around 74.7. Both teams have negative point differentials on the season, but that can be a little misleading given that non-conference play is tougher for these teams than conference action.

Head-to-Head & Betting Trends

• Nicholls is 21-12 all-time against New Orleans.
• Nicholls has won the last five matchups between these programs, including their first meeting this season.
• The Colonels are 8-11 against the spread this season.
• New Orleans is 9-11 against the spread entering Tuesday’s play.
• The over is 11-8 in Nicholls’ games this year.
• The Privateers have gone over the total 14 times in 20 games.

New Orleans vs Nicholls Model Projection

Final Thoughts

Jay Sanin

Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.