Fast-Paced Action Awaits in the LIU Sharks vs. Stonehill Skyhawks Game This Week

Basketball fans, get ready! The LIU Sharks are heading to Easton, Massachusetts, to take on the Stonehill Skyhawks in what promises to be a captivating Northeast Conference battle. With both teams hungry to climb the conference standings, this matchup carries significance for their postseason aspirations.

Date: Friday, January 10, 2025 

Time: 8:00 PM ET 

Arena: Merkert Gymnasium, Easton, Massachusetts

As the teams prepare to hit the hardwood, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with intensity and skill.

Current Form

LIU Sharks

The LIU Sharks enter this game with a mixed bag of results, currently holding a record of 6-11 overall and 2-0 in the NEC. While they have struggled at times this season, their recent form has shown signs of improvement. The Sharks are averaging 69.6 points per game while allowing just 69.4, indicating a competitive scoring differential of +0.2. Notably, they have been more effective at home, scoring an average of 77 points compared to just 65.4 on the road.

Key players for LIU include Malachi Davis, who leads the team with an impressive average of 17.0 points per game, along with 2.9 rebounds and assists. Shadrak Lasu contributes significantly on the boards with 6.4 rebounds per game, while Terell Strickland facilitates the offense with an average of 4.7 assists per game.

Stonehill Skyhawks

On the other side, the Stonehill Skyhawks boast a record of 9-8 overall and are currently sitting at 1-1 in the NEC. They have been solid at home, where they are riding a seven-game winning streak. The Skyhawks average 70.7 points per game while allowing slightly more at 70.9, resulting in a scoring differential of -0.2.

Stonehill’s offensive prowess is led by Josh Morgan, who averages 13.3 points per game and contributes significantly from beyond the arc with an average of 2.3 three-pointers made per game. Todd Brogna is a key presence on the boards, averaging 6.4 rebounds per game.

Key Statistics

When analyzing both teams’ statistics, several key factors stand out:

• Scoring: The Sharks average 69.6 points per game while Stonehill scores slightly more at 70.7.
• Defense: Both teams allow similar points per game—LIU at 69.4 and Stonehill at 70.9—indicating that defensive strategies will play a critical role in determining the outcome.
• Rebounding: Stonehill has struggled on the boards this season, averaging only 30.2 rebounds per game compared to LIU’s slightly better average of 31.9.
• Three-Point Shooting: Stonehill excels in this area, making an average of 9.4 three-pointers per game (53rd in college basketball), while LIU averages only 6.4 (304th).

Notable Injuries

As of now, both teams appear to be relatively healthy heading into this matchup; however, keeping an eye on any last-minute injury updates is essential as they could impact player performance and overall team dynamics.

Analyzing the Over/Under

Given the current statistics and trends for both teams, picking the over on the total points set at 133 seems like a sound decision:

1. Combined Scoring Averages: The combined average points scored by both teams is approximately $70+69=139$, which exceeds the total set for this matchup.
2. Recent Trends: The Sharks have averaged 139.1 total points in their games this season, while Stonehill’s games have averaged about 140 total points.
3. Defensive Averages: Both teams allow a combined average of 140.3 points from their opponents this season, indicating that they are susceptible to high-scoring games.
4. Home/Away Performance: Stonehill has shown significant improvement when playing at home, scoring 81.7 points on average compared to their road performances.
5. Prediction Models: Five successful NCAA basketball prediction models suggest that both teams will score enough to surpass the total set for this match:
   • Model A predicts Stonehill 72 – LIU 67
   • Model B predicts Stonehill 75 – LIU 68
   • Model C predicts Stonehill 74 – LIU 70
   • Model D predicts Stonehill 73 – LIU 69
   • Model E predicts Stonehill 76 – LIU 66

Each model indicates a combined score well above 133, reinforcing confidence in choosing the over for this matchup.

Conclusion

As we gear up for this exciting showdown between LIU and Stonehill, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with competitive spirit and high stakes in the NEC landscape. With both teams showcasing their strengths—LIU’s scoring ability led by Malachi Davis and Stonehill’s three-point shooting prowess—the stage is set for an engaging battle on January 10th.With all factors considered—current form, key statistics, notable injuries, and prediction models—the pick for over 133 total points stands strong as both teams are likely to bring their A-game offensively while also battling defensively to secure a vital win in conference play!

PICK: Over 133 total points