Central Connecticut State Blue Devils vs Mercyhurst Lakers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/5/25

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Blue Devils versus the Lakers? Tip off is at at 1:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on NEC. The game will be played at Mercyhurst Athletic Center in Erie, PA. Central Connecticut State come into this Northeast conference matchup as the -8.5 favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 129.5 points.

CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE BLUE DEVILS VS MERCYHURST LAKERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Central Connecticut State Blue Devils -8.5

This game will be played at Mercyhurst Athletic Center at 1:00 ET on Sunday, January 5th.

WHY BET THE CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE BLUE DEVILS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 82-68 in favor of the Blue Devils.
• Not only will Central Connecticut State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -8.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 129.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 150 points.

Will Central Connecticut State Pull Through as the Favored Road Team?

Central Connecticut State Blue Devils Recent Game/Games

The Blue Devils improved to 8-4 on the season after a 74-59 road win over Saint Francis U on Friday. Central Connecticut State entered the game as -5.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.

After a 38-38 tie at halftime, the Blue Devils’ defense stepped up, holding Saint Francis U to just 21 points in the 2nd half while scoring 36 points themselves. The total points for the game ended at 133, just under the O/U line of 137.5.

Central Connecticut State put up 74 points in their last game, shooting 47.5% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 54.2%. They connected on 60.6% of their two-point attempts, while hitting just 30.8% from beyond the arc, going 8-for-26 from three-point range. At the free-throw line, they were nearly perfect, making 10 of 11 attempts for a 90.9% rate.

Jordan Jones led the way, scoring 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three. Devin Haid added 18 points and 8 rebounds, though he struggled from deep, hitting just 1-of-6 three-point attempts. Valentino Pinedo also grabbed 8 boards, while Riley Parker contributed 12 points, knocking down 2-of-6 from long range.

Central Connecticut State’s defense held their opponent to 59 points on 42% shooting from the field. They allowed 18 two-point baskets on 35 attempts, a 51% success rate.

From beyond the arc, their opponent shot 27%, hitting 6 of 22 three-point attempts. Central Connecticut State sent their opponent to the free-throw line 7 times, where they made 5, a 71% free-throw percentage. The Blue Devils also gave up 9 offensive rebounds.

Will the Mercyhurst Defense Show Up at Home?

Mercyhurst improved to 4-9 on the season with a 76-69 win over Stonehill on Friday. The Lakers, who were +2 underdogs, not only pulled off the win but also covered the spread. The game’s total points reached 145, surpassing the O/U line of 133.5.

After trailing 40-32 at halftime, Mercyhurst turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring Stonehill 44-29 to secure the victory.

In their last game, the Mercyhurst Lakers put up 76 points, shooting 44.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 50%. They hit 37.5% from beyond the arc, going 6-for-16, and connected on 82.8% of their free throws, making 24 of 29 attempts. Offensive rebounding was minimal, with just 4 boards, and they dished out 9 assists as a team.

Jeff Planutis led the way with 23 points, shooting 66.7% overall. Aidan Reichert added 22 points, hitting 71.4% of his shots, while Todd Brogna contributed 19 points. Louie Semona knocked down 3 threes, finishing with 17 points and 8 rebounds, matching Reichert’s team-high in boards.

Mercyhurst’s defense gave up 69 points, with their opponents shooting 44% from the field, connecting on 23 of 52 attempts. Inside the arc, the Lakers allowed 17 two-point baskets on 36 attempts, a 47% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Mercyhurst’s defense saw their opponents hit 6 of 16 shots, good for 37%. The Lakers also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 29 times, where they converted 24 free throws, an 82% success rate.