Expert prediction
NCAA First Round: McNeese vs Vanderbilt Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 19)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Cowboys make their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
- The Commodores lost to Arkansas in the SEC Championship Game.
- This marks the first all-time matchup between the two squads.
Another intriguing matchup will occur in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament when the Southland Conference’s McNeese Cowboys face the SEC’s Vanderbilt Commodores. The latter comes out as the solid favorite, presenting a showdown that could be on upset watch.
How to Watch
- When: Thursday, March 19, 3:15 pm ET
- Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- How to Watch: truTV
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| McNeese | -105 | +12 | O149 |
| Vanderbilt | -115 | -12 | U149 |
Game Preview
The Cowboys (28-5) proudly represent the Southland in March Madness, taking home the conference championship in the process. McNeese is ranked No. 1 in the NCAA in turnover margin with a +7.3 mark. They are forcing 16.9 turnovers per game, ranking No. 2 in the nation, and have forced 20 or more turnovers 10 times on the year and 10 or more turnovers in all 33 games. Larry Johnson was named to the Mid-Major Freshman of the Year Watch List by MiniHoopsAlert. He scored 17 or more points 20 times and in 12 of the last 16 games, getting 12, 20-point scoring games and counting this season.
The Commodores (26-8) made an admirable run in the SEC Tournament, taking down Tennessee and stunning national contenders Florida before losing to Arkansas in the final round. Despite the loss, they performed remarkably in the regular season to go Dancing for the second straight season. Tyler Tanner finished the 2026 SEC campaign with historic numbers, averaging 21.5 points, 5.5 assists and 2.3 steals in the 18 league games. Tanner earned First Team All-SEC honors from both the conference head coaches and the Associated Press. He was also named an honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press and U.S. Basketball Writers Association. Meanwhile, Tyler Nickel could come out with a big performance after making five out of seven 3-point attempts against Arkansas.
McNeese vs Vanderbilt Head-to-Head
The two programs are facing each other for the first time in their respective histories.
McNeese vs Vanderbilt Predictions
The Cowboys made serious noise after stunning Clemson in last year’s tournament, paving the way for an upset to possibly happen in this matchup. However, Vanderbilt showed the significant improvement it has made since last year by getting to the final round of the NCAA Tournament, even stunning the reigning champions, Florida. It will take a lot for McNeese to stun Vanderbilt, something that the rising SEC squad will prevent from happening. Our betting pick here is the Commodores to cover a 12-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Vanderbilt Commodores -12
NCAAB
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