Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Indiana State Sycamores Picks and Predictions, Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Use Code WWWC Indiana State Sycamores (2-2) will host the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (2-1) on Wednesday night. These should be one of the more evenly balanced matchups, with Indiana State rated 172nd according to Sports Illustrated in the preseason rankings and LA Tech 174th.
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Indiana State Looking for a Bounce-Back Season
Indiana State entered this season hoping to regroup after a 14-18 finish in Matthew Graves’ first year. The Sycamores were picked eighth in the MVC preseason poll, and their early results have been up and down. They opened with a 92-76 loss to Charlotte, bounced back with wins over Illinois Tech and SIU Edwardsville, then ran into a wall against Duke in a 100-62 defeat.
Forward Ian Scott has been the bright spot so far. The former NAIA First Team All-American is averaging 14.0 points and 8.3 rebounds while shooting 73% from the field and 60% from three. Sterling Young is scoring 13.3 points per game, but has struggled shooting the ball. Freshman guard Xavier Hall has stepped in as a steady playmaker, averaging 7.0 assists.
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Indiana State has handled weaker opponents, but the defensive issues that showed up late last season have resurfaced against stronger competition. The Sycamores sit 199th in KenPom with the offense ranked 205th and the defense 194th.
Louisiana Tech Searching for Stability Early
Louisiana Tech has followed a similar path through its first three games. The Bulldogs were outmatched in a 77-50 loss to Nevada to start the year but responded with dominant wins over Lynn (93-35) and Jackson State (68-51). Talvin Hester is in his third season after back-to-back 20-win years, and last season’s 20-12 squad set the bar for another competitive run. LA Tech was picked fifth in the CUSA preseason poll.
The Bulldogs have three players averaging double figures, led by 6-foot-8 sophomore Avery Thomas at 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds. Returning contributors Kaden Cooper (12.0 points, 6.3 rebounds) and Aj Bates (10.0 points) give Hester some continuity from last season. The concern is perimeter shooting, as the Bulldogs are hitting just 27.1% from three. Still, they’ve leaned on defense, ranking 110th in KenPom on that end compared to 266th on offense. Overall, the Bulldogs are 177th according to KenPom.
Louisiana Tech vs Indiana State Predictions
ATS Prediction for Louisiana Tech vs. Indiana State:
- Louisiana Tech +4.5 (4 units)
Indiana State’s loss to Duke is understandable, but the game was never competitive, and the Sycamores have struggled whenever they’ve stepped up in class. Louisiana Tech has not been flashy, but the Bulldogs defend well, play at a slow pace, and return two key contributors from last season’s 20-win team. Indiana State’s offense is efficient only when Scott dominates inside, and LA Tech has the size and physicality to make that tough. With KenPom rating the Bulldogs higher overall and their defense more reliable right now, LA Tech has a real chance to stay within this number.
Total Prediction for Louisiana Tech vs. Indiana State:
- Under 145.5 (4 units)
This matchup is a clash of tempos. Indiana State is playing fast again and ranks 25th in adjusted tempo, while Louisiana Tech is at the opposite end of the spectrum at 329th. The Bulldogs want a slower, grind-it-out defensive game, and their inability to shoot from deep should also keep scoring in check. Indiana State has been inconsistent offensively and has struggled against stronger defenses. With LA Tech leaning heavily on their half-court style, the pace should favor the under.
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