As the college basketball season heats up, Texas Rio Grande Valley is looking to get back on track after a tough loss in their last outing. With a 10-11 overall record and a 6-6 mark in the Southland Conference, the Vaqueros are still in the hunt for a tournament berth, but they need to start racking up quality wins to impress the selection committee. Their NET ranking of 169 and quad record of 0-3 in Q1 games don't exactly scream "tournament team," but a win over SE Louisiana could help them build some momentum.
SE Louisiana, on the other hand, is struggling to find its footing, having lost three straight games and sporting a 6-15 overall record. The Lions' NET ranking of 277 and quad record of 0-2 in Q1 games make it an uphill climb for them to get back into tournament contention. However, they do have a chance to pick up a Quad 3 win on the road, which could be a nice feather in their cap.
CHD Scout Prediction
SE Louisiana
65
Texas Rio Grande Valley
73
According to the CHD Scout prediction, Texas Rio Grande Valley is favored to win by 8.3 points, with a 77.6% win probability. The Vaqueros' recent form has been inconsistent, with a win-loss-loss record in their last three games, but they should be able to take care of business at home against a struggling SE Louisiana team. With no notable player momentum on either side, this one comes down to which team can execute its game plan more effectively.
Tournament Stakes
I predict Texas Rio Grande Valley will come out on top, 73-65, behind a strong performance at home. The Vaqueros' superior NET ranking and quad record give them the edge they need to take down the Lions and keep their tournament hopes alive.