Chicago State Cougars vs LIU Sharks NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/5/25
Looking to win big? The Cougars and Sharks face off at 2:00 ET on NEC. The Sharks are hosting the game at Steinberg Wellness Center in Brooklyn, NY. The over/under for this Northeast conference contest is set at 138.5 points, with LIU being favored by -5.5 at home against Chicago State.
CHICAGO STATE COUGARS VS LIU SHARKS BETTING PICK
The Pick: LIU Sharks -5.5
This game will be played at Steinberg Wellness Center at 2:00 ET on Sunday, January 5th.
WHY BET THE LIU SHARKS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 80-68 in favor of the Sharks.
- Not only will LIU pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 138.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.
Will Chicago State Come Through as Road Underdogs?
Chicago State Cougars Recent Game/Games
Chicago State picked up their first win of the season, improving to 1-15, with a 64-52 victory over Wagner on Friday. The Cougars were +9.5 point underdogs heading into the game, and not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
Chicago State trailed 27-26 at halftime but turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring Wagner 38-25. The game’s total points ended at 116, falling short of the 126.5 O/U line.
In their latest game, Chicago State’s offense put up 64 points, shooting 50% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 59.1%, thanks in part to their 62.5% shooting on two-point attempts.
The Cougars were led by Zaire Williams with 16 points, while Noble Crawford added 15. Jalen Forrest contributed 14 points, and Dailliss Cox and Zae Blake both shot 71.4% from the field, with Cox also grabbing 7 rebounds.
Chicago State’s defense held their opponent to just 52 points, with a field goal percentage of 38% (19/50). Inside the arc, the opponent shot 51%, making 15 of 29 two-point attempts.
From three-point range, Chicago State limited their opponent to 4/21 shooting, just 19%. The opponent also went 10/13 from the free-throw line, hitting 76% of their free throws. Chicago State gave up 9 offensive rebounds.
Can the Sharks Pull Out the Win as Home Favorites?
LIU improved to 3-11 on the season with a 78-62 win over Le Moyne on Friday, January 3rd. The Sharks, favored by 3 points, covered the spread in the victory.
LIU led 35-32 at halftime and pulled away by outscoring the Dolphins 43-30 in the second half. The total points for the game were 140, falling short of the 145.5 O/U line.
LIU’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, shooting 55.6% from the field and posting an effective field goal percentage of 63%. They connected on 53.8% of their three-point attempts, hitting 7 of 13 from deep.
Malachi Davis led the way with 24 points and 5 assists, while Jamal Fuller added 20 points on 66.7% shooting. Ocypher Owens was nearly perfect, going 7 for 8 from the field and grabbing 12 rebounds.
Despite scoring just 62 points, LIU shot 55% from the field, connecting on 30 of their 54 attempts. They were effective inside the arc, hitting 56% of their two-point shots, going 23/41.
From three-point range, the Sharks made 7 of 13 attempts, shooting 53%. They struggled from the free-throw line, making only 11 of 19, or 57%. LIU also gave up 12 offensive rebounds.