Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs. Long Island Sharks Prediction and Betting Tips

The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights and the Long Island University Sharks are set to face off in an exciting NEC matchup on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Steinberg Wellness Center. With both teams holding identical 11-15 records, this game promises to be a tightly contested battle. Whether you’re a basketball enthusiast or a betting aficionado, this article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the game, including predictions, betting tips, and key insights to help you make informed decisions.

Game Overview

• Date and Time: February 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET
• Venue: Steinberg Wellness Center, Brooklyn, NY
• Teams: Fairleigh Dickinson Knights (11-15, 7-4 NEC) vs. Long Island Sharks (12-15, 8-4 NEC)
• Broadcast: ESPN+

The Knights and Sharks are both fighting for positioning in the NEC standings, making this game crucial for their postseason aspirations. The Sharks enter as slight favorites, with a -2.5 point spread and an over/under set at 135.5 points.

Team Analysis

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights

The Knights have been a mixed bag this season, showcasing moments of brilliance but struggling with consistency. They average 75.1 points per game while allowing 74.2 points, indicating a balanced but not dominant performance. Key players include:

• Terrence Brown: Leading the team with 20.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
• Jo’el Emanuel: Contributing 11.2 points and 2.2 assists per game.
• Dylan Jones: A defensive anchor with 3.7 rebounds per game.

The Knights excel in three-point shooting, hitting 34.7% from beyond the arc, and have a solid free-throw percentage of 69.4%2. However, their road record is a concern, having lost seven of their last eight away games.

Long Island Sharks

The Sharks have been slightly better this season, particularly at home, where they’ve won seven games. They average 67.7 points per game while allowing 66.9 points, showcasing their defensive prowess. Key players include:

• Malachi Davis: Leading scorer with 17.2 points and 3 rebounds per game.
• Jamal Fuller: Adding 12 points and 1.3 assists per game.
• Terell Strickland: A rebounding force with 4.5 rebounds per game.

The Sharks struggle offensively, shooting just 31.2% from three-point range, but their defense has kept them competitive in most games.

Betting Insights

Spread and Moneyline

• Spread: LIU -2.5
• Moneyline: LIU -154, Fairleigh Dickinson +128

The Sharks are favored by 2.5 points, reflecting their home-court advantage and slightly better form. However, the Knights have been one of the best teams against the spread this season, covering 16 of 23 games (69.6%).

Over/Under

• Total Points: 135.5

Both teams have trended toward low-scoring games, with the Sharks’ last six home games against non-AP-ranked opponents totaling 135 or fewer points. Similarly, seven of the Knights’ last eight day games against NEC opponents have gone under 131 points.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Home-Court Advantage: The Sharks have won 11 of their last 12 day games at home, making them a tough opponent at the Steinberg Wellness Center.
2. Defensive Battle: Both teams rank in the bottom half of the NEC in scoring, suggesting a grind-it-out, defensive game.
3. Turnovers and Rebounding: The Knights average 31 rebounds per game, slightly edging out the Sharks’ 32 rebounds. Controlling the boards could be a deciding factor.
4. Injury Report: Neither team has any significant injuries, ensuring both sides will be at full strength.

Prediction

Final Score Prediction

• LIU Sharks 72, Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 68

The Sharks’ home-court advantage and slightly better form should give them the edge in this matchup. However, the Knights’ ability to cover spreads and their resilience on the road make them a dangerous underdog. Expect a low-scoring, tightly contested game that could come down to the final possession.

Betting Tips

• Spread: Take Fairleigh Dickinson +2.5. Their strong ATS record and ability to keep games close make them a solid bet.
• Total Points: Bet the under 135.5. Both teams’ defensive tendencies and recent trends point to a low-scoring affair.
• Moneyline: Consider a small wager on Fairleigh Dickinson at +128 for value, given their potential to pull off an upset.

Conclusion

The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs. Long Island Sharks matchup is shaping up to be a thrilling NEC showdown. With both teams fighting for postseason positioning, expect a hard-fought battle that could go either way. For bettors, the Knights’ strong ATS record and the Sharks’ home-court advantage present intriguing opportunities. Whether you’re rooting for the Knights or the Sharks, this game is sure to deliver excitement and drama.

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