Merrimack vs Central Connecticut St.
Merrimack -2, Total 133.5
If you know me, you know I love myself some NEC basketball.
We go to Central Connecticut for this matchup vs the Merrimack Warriors. The first of a 2-game back-to-back between the teams. Merrimack enters this contest winners of 4 of 5 and have covered the number in all 4 of the wins. Central has really struggled all season, they enter this game with a 4-10 overall record and 5-9 against the number. Central has benefited from the B2B structure as 3 of their 4 wins, came on a back-to-back after a loss to the same team.
Merrimack has been getting it done on the defensive end. They are in the top 50 in the following defensive categories – turnover %, 2 point %, FT %, and steal %. They are a team that forces their opponents to slow down the pace and take bad shots. Right up Central’s alley, this team is terrible on the offensive end and rank in the bottom 50 in offensive rebounding and offensive efficiency. As for their defense, LOL… what defense? Central ranks in the bottom 50 in a lot of important defensive categories including 2 and 3 point %, rebounding and adjusted efficiency.
There are multiple angles why I have this a few points off! While Merrimack is not by any means a top scoring team, their defense leads to easy offensive baskets. Plus, when they win, they cover – in all 6 of their wins, they’ve covered the number. I expect Central to start slow, they haven’t played since January 31st, being as their last game against Sacred Heart was canceled. Plus, they’ve only scored over 34 first half points in 3 of their 14 games this season. With all the defensive prowess Merrimack brings, give me the Warriors -2 on the road!
Joey’s Best Bet
Merrimack -2 (-110)
