Southland Conference Basketball Championship Futures Predictions & Odds
Updated November 11, 2026
Updated November 11, 2026
The 2026–27 Southland Conference men's basketball championship race features a familiar powerhouse, an established challenger, and several programs looking to break through. McNeese enters the season seeking its fourth consecutive conference tournament title, while Stephen F. Austin hopes to build on its regular-season championship from a year ago. Here, we break down the futures race in the Southland and make our prediction in the market.
Three consecutive conference tournament championships make the Cowboys the team to beat.
The defending regular-season champions have the winning culture to challenge McNeese again.
An influx of transfer talent give the Islanders an opportunity to contend.
Lamar is expected to improve significantly after a disappointing conference finish last season.
After last year's semifinal loss to McNeese, UTRGV has the potential to surprise under new leadership.
Three consecutive conference tournament championships make the Cowboys the team to beat.
The defending regular-season champions have the winning culture to challenge McNeese again.
An influx of transfer talent give the Islanders an opportunity to contend.
Lamar is expected to improve significantly after a disappointing conference finish last season.
After last year's semifinal loss to McNeese, UTRGV has the potential to surprise under new leadership.
Prediction: McNeese Cowboys to win the Southland Conference Tournament.
McNeese remains the strongest overall championship candidate. During the 2025–26 season, the Cowboys posted an offensive rating of 117.3 and defensive rating of 98.3, producing a net rating of +19.0 points per 100 possessions. Stephen F. Austin finished at +14.9, illustrating McNeese's stronger overall efficiency differential, which could be important when trading on college basketball odds in the Southland.
The Cowboys also return Larry Johnson, the reigning Southland Freshman of the Year, who averaged 17.5 points per game in his debut season. Alongside Johnson, McNeese added multiple transfers from power-conference programs to strengthen its depth and athleticism. The tournament's location provides another significant advantage. McNeese will compete on its home floor in Lake Charles, where the program compiled a remarkable 48–1 record over the three seasons preceding 2026–27.
Stephen F. Austin is the most credible threat to McNeese after winning the 2025–26 regular-season championship, but the Lumberjacks ultimately lost to McNeese in the conference tournament final. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and UTRGV have the potential to close the gap, although both face significant roster or coaching transitions. McNeese's combination of proven tournament performance, returning talent, and home-court advantage makes the Cowboys our selection to capture another Southland championship.
Home-Court Advantage
The Southland Tournament returns to Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles, giving the Cowboys a significant familiarity advantage over their conference rivals.
Qualification Situation
Only eight of the conference's 12 programs qualify for the tournament, making the qualification cutoff an important consideration for potential long shots.
McNeese's Dynasty
The Cowboys have dominated the Southland tournament in recent years, even when they haven't finished at the top of the regular-season standings. How they and their opponents operate with that in mind will be key.
Huge Changes
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi added nine transfers, while UTRGV begins the season under new head coach Brandon Chambers. How quickly these programs establish continuity could determine whether they challenge McNeese and SFA.
