Preview: east texas a&m basketball hosts SE Louisiana in Southland clash
Game overview
The East Texas A&M Lions (10-17, 5-12 Southland) host the SE Louisiana Lions (8-18, 5-12 Southland) on Monday, February 16, 2026, with tip scheduled for 2 p. m. ET. The meeting comes late in the Southland Conference slate and offers both programs a chance to build momentum as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
Recent form
East Texas A&M arrives off a heavy home defeat, falling 97-54 to McNeese in its most recent outing. The loss was a setback for a Lions team that has shown flashes but struggled for consistency. Ronnie Harrison Jr. led East Texas A&M in that contest with 19 points and a 42. 86 field-goal percentage. Noah Pagotto contributed 12 points and seven rebounds while shooting 57. 14 percent from the floor.
SE Louisiana also suffered a setback in its last game, dropping a 69-66 decision at Northwestern State. Guard Jalen Forrest paced the Lions with 26 points, hitting 66. 67 percent from the floor and converting three of five attempts from beyond the arc. Forward Isaiah Gaines added 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, providing a two-way presence on both ends of the floor.
Streaks and stakes
SE Louisiana will attempt to end an eight-game road losing streak when it travels to East Texas A&M. That streak is a notable subplot for the visiting team; a win would provide a rare road victory and could serve as a confidence boost heading into the final weeks of the season. East Texas A&M, meanwhile, seeks to rebound from its lopsided loss and protect home court advantages where possible.
Key players to watch
For East Texas A&M, Ronnie Harrison Jr. and Noah Pagotto are central to the Lions' offensive and rebounding plans. Harrison has shown scoring capability, and Pagotto's rebounding and efficiency inside will be important against SE Louisiana's frontcourt. Their ability to convert close-range attempts and limit turnovers will shape East Texas A&M's offensive rhythm.
SE Louisiana's attack is likely to rely on Jalen Forrest's scoring and perimeter shooting and Isaiah Gaines' interior defense and rebounding. Forrest's recent efficient shooting and ability to hit threes can stretch defenses, while Gaines provides rim protection and second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass.
What to expect
The matchup pits two teams with identical Southland conference records (5-12) into a contest that could influence seeding and momentum. Expect a physical game with emphasis on rebounding and interior defense; both teams will want to limit easy looks in transition and control the glass to generate second-chance points.
Betting information for the game is tracked by major sportsbooks. College basketball odds were noted as courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook, with odds updated Monday at 9: 33 a. m. ET. Specific lines and broadcast or streaming availability should be confirmed through official outlets ahead of tipoff.
Closing note
Monday's game offers East Texas A&M an opportunity to respond quickly after a heavy loss and offers SE Louisiana a chance to halt a lengthy road slump. With both teams searching for consistency, individual performances from Harrison, Pagotto, Forrest and Gaines may determine the outcome.
