NCAAB · Final

Nicholls Colonels Edge UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 5:30 PM ET · UTRGV Fieldhouse

Nicholls Colonels 71, UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 69, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Nicholls Colonels vs UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros?

Nicholls Colonels beat UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 71-69 at UTRGV Fieldhouse on December 31, 2025.

Who was favored in Nicholls Colonels vs UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros?

UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The underdog won.

In a closely contested matchup, the Nicholls Colonels narrowly defeated the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros with a final score of 71-69. This game, held at the UTRGV Fieldhouse, showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, each entering the contest with identical records of 5-8. The victory for Nicholls marks their second consecutive win over UTRGV in their recent meetings, having previously defeated them earlier in the season.

Recent form for both teams has been mixed. The Vaqueros, in their last ten games, recorded a 4-6 record, with an average of 74.9 points scored and 68.8 points allowed. Their recent performance has seen them struggling, as they have lost their last game against the LSU New Orleans Privateers, 69-85. At home, the Vaqueros have a record of 3-2, while they have struggled away with just one win in five attempts. In their last five games, they averaged 74.8 points scored and allowed 63.2 points.

On the other hand, the Colonels have also posted a 4-6 record in their last ten games, but they come off a win against the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders, 76-71. Nicholls has shown a higher scoring average of 79.9 points per game while allowing 78.6 points. Their away record has been less favorable, with only one win in six attempts, but they have been more successful at home with a perfect 3-0 record. In their last five games, the Colonels averaged 85.6 points scored and allowed 69.2 points, indicating a strong offensive performance.

In terms of previous meetings, the Colonels have had the upper hand against the Vaqueros this season, winning both encounters. In their last meeting on February 22, 2025, Nicholls won 93-84, and earlier on January 28, 2025, they secured an 82-75 victory. This history may have contributed to the Colonels' confidence heading into this game.

Injuries and player availability can significantly impact a team's performance, but the current block does not provide specific details regarding injuries for either side. However, it is essential to consider how player fitness and availability might affect game strategies.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Vaqueros as 3.5-point favorites, with a total set at 145.5. The moneyline favored the Vaqueros at -162.0, while the Colonels were listed at 136.0. These odds reflect the expectations leading into the game, with the Vaqueros seen as the stronger team on paper.

The conditions at the UTRGV Fieldhouse were likely conducive to a competitive game, with both teams eager to improve their standings. The atmosphere was charged, as both teams sought to capitalize on their scoring abilities. Viewers were treated to a thrilling finish, with key plays in the second half determining the outcome. Notably, Jaylen Washington played a crucial role for the Colonels, making pivotal free throws and a floating jump shot that helped secure the win.

As the game progressed, the tension mounted, with the Colonels maintaining a slight lead in the closing moments. The Vaqueros fought hard to close the gap, but ultimately fell short, unable to convert on crucial possessions in the final minutes. The performance of both teams highlighted their offensive capabilities, with Nicholls showcasing a more effective scoring strategy in the clutch moments of the game.

This matchup not only provided a glimpse into the competitive nature of college basketball but also underscored the importance of head-to-head records and recent form in determining outcomes. The Colonels' victory over the Vaqueros adds another chapter to their rivalry and sets the stage for future encounters.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	RGV -3.5	145.5 o -115 / u -105	Nicholls Colonels +136 · UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros -162

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsJaylen Washington17UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
AssistsJaylen Washington6UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
ReboundsJulien Gomez9UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
PointsJalik Dunkley22Nicholls Colonels
AssistsJaylen Searles4Nicholls Colonels
ReboundsJalik Dunkley12Nicholls Colonels

Recent form

UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros

Last 10: 4-6Streak L174.9 scored · 68.8 allowed per game3-2 at home

L69-85vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersDec 30
W109-51vs College of Biblical Studies AmbassadorsDec 20
W83-72at Lamar CardinalsDec 17
L50-58vs UT Arlington MavericksDec 12
W63-50vs Austin Peay GovernorsDec 7
L60-73at Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksDec 4
L73-87at Illinois Fighting IlliniNov 25
L67-74at Missouri State BearsNov 22
W110-53vs Southwestern Adventist KnightsNov 18
L65-85at Boise State BroncosNov 12