It will be a battle between MAAC opponents when the Rider Broncs (8-6, 1-1 MAAC) welcome the Fairfield Stags (6-7, 1-1 MAAC) to Alumni Gymnasium. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 5, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 156.5 points with Rider set as a 7.5-point favorite.
Fairfield Stags at Rider Broncs Free Prediction
The Stags are hoping for a better outcome after their 61-58 loss to the Manhattan Jaspers in their last contest. Manhattan’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Fairfield. The Jaspers had a rate of 0.326 (above their season average of 0.221), while the Stags posted a mark of 0.183 (below their season average of 0.227). Fairfield’s Jonathan Kasibabu had a solid performance, recording 14 points and 13 rebounds.
In the Broncs’ last game, they won big over the Niagara Purple Eagles, 99-76. The Broncs, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.9, had a phenomenal mark of 44.2 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.567 (above their season average of 0.502). Jordan Allen led Rider in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
Rider appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Broncs rank 92nd in offensive efficiency, while Fairfield ranks 199th in defensive efficiency.
Fairfield heads into the contest with records of 6-7 straight up (SU) and 5-4 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Stags have a tendency to go over the projected point total (55.6 percent).
Meanwhile, Rider is 8-6 SU and 6-3-1 ATS. Broncs games also have a tendency to go over the total (80.0 percent).
After the Stags won both meetings against the Broncs last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Fairfield won 69-67. Fairfield had a much better turnover percentage (13.9 vs. 19.1). Rider, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.158 vs. 0.078).
Fairfield Stags at Rider Broncs Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Rider, ATS Winner – Fairfield, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Fairfield is 2-4 ATS with 3 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Rider is 0-1 ATS with 1 over and 0 unders.
Rider averages 40.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 32nd in the NCAA. Fairfield ranks 211th in rebounds allowed per game (37.8).
The Stags average 25.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 50th in the NCAA. The Broncs rank 196th in three pointers allowed per game (24.1).
Fairfield ranks 46th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Rider ranks 168th (6.0).
The Broncs rank 38th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Stags rank 97th (6.4).
Fairfield ranks 167th in assists per game (13.2) while Rider ranks 202nd in assists allowed per game (15.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Fairfield is 2-1 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over.
Rider is 2-1-1 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Stags have outscored opponents by an average of 3.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Fairfield has lost by an average of 2.2 points.
During their last five games, the Broncs have scored an average of 83.6 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.0 points per game (matching their season average).
