The McNeese Cowboys take on the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor, MI. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on B1G+.
Michigan is favored by 23.5 points on the spread, and the total is set at 159.5 points.
Here are my McNeese vs. Michigan predictions and college basketball picks for December 29, 2025.
McNeese vs Michigan Prediction
My Pick: Over 159.5 (Play to 162)
My McNeese vs Michigan best bet is on the over. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
McNeese vs. Michigan Odds
| McNeese Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+23.5 -110 | 159.5 -112o / -108u | OFF |
| Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-23.5 -110 | 159.5 -112o / -108u | OFF |
- McNeese vs Michigan spread: Michigan -23.5
- McNeese vs Michigan over/under: 159.5 points
McNeese vs Michigan College Basketball Betting Preview
McNeese Basketball
McNeese has begun life after Will Wade, but the residual effects of his leadership has led it to just two losses as we head towards 2026.
Bill Armstrong is in his first full season and was a disciple of the former coach. This is his first full-time coaching gig at the Division I level, and he was able to keep a few commits that signed under Wade.
The Cowboys' strength of schedule is nothing to be impressed about, but they've been efficient both defensively and offensively to start the season.
Their biggest strength has been their ability to create turnovers, as they are No. 1 nationally in that metric. They also ranked in the top third of college basketball when it comes to limiting their own turnovers, creating a situation where they’re able to get extra possessions.
They aren’t as fast as they used to be on offense, as Armstrong has headed towards a more methodical and slow approach. However, they rank in the top third in adjusted offensive efficiency, via KenPom.
They couple that with good defense, a metric they’ve actually improved under the new regime. They're 63rd in adjusted defensive efficiency, ranking even better than they do offensively.
Michigan Basketball
Michigan is No. 2 in all the polls, but a lot of power rankings have it as the No. 1 team in the nation. The Wolverines' athleticism, depth and overall efficiency on both sides of the ball give us good reason not to doubt those ratings.
Outside of one-point and four-point margins of victory against Wake Forest and TCU, they haven't won by less than 15 points against any other opponent.
They've averaged a tick above 95 points a game, and overall, that will be hard for McNeese to contend with.
McNeese vs. Michigan Betting Analysis
The spread is too large, regardless of how much success Michigan has had this season.
We've seen McNeese compete in spots this season, too, but I can’t confidently advise taking the Cowboys.
Ultimately, the pace and flow of this game will be dictated by Michigan, and I expect it to at least get to its average in points.
If Michigan gets to its average, we only need 65 points from the Cowboys — well below their 88-point-per-game mark.
I'll take the over, with a little room to negotiate.
My Pick: Over 159.5 (Play to 162)
