Uncover the Clash of College Basketball Titans

Pre-Game Analysis

Niagara's recent performance has been impressive, having won three of their last four games and looking to continue their winning streak at home. However, Merrimack also comes into the game with a win under their belt, having beaten Canisius 60-52 on Friday. The key to this game might lie in how well each team can handle the pressure and execute their game plans.

One aspect to watch closely is the three-point shooting. Niagara has been averaging 8.9 threes per game this season and has shown a knack for nailing deep shots. On the other hand, Merrimack has averaged only 6.1 threes. If Merrimack can find a way to close the gap in this area, it could give them a significant advantage.

Halftime Considerations

If Merrimack heads into halftime all tied up, they will need to play a strong second half. Last week, Niagara took over in the second half and slipped by Siena 69-68. This shows that Niagara has the ability to make a comeback and take control of the game. Merrimack will need to be prepared for this and come out firing in the second half.

Another factor to consider is the offensive rebounds. Niagara struggled to get the ball back on offense in their previous game and finished with only three offensive rebounds. This is a significant drop from their usual performance. Merrimack will need to capitalize on this and try to control the boards.

Odds and Betting Insights

Merrimack is a slight 2-point favorite against Niagara according to the latest college basketball odds. The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community, as the game opened as a 2-point spread and stayed there. The over/under is set at 126 points, which indicates that both teams have the potential to score well.

SportsLine's advanced computer model provides picks for every single game, including this one. It will be interesting to see how these picks pan out and which team comes out on top.