Merrimack vs Rider Prediction 12/4/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Merrimack vs Rider prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, December 4th at Hammel Court in North Andover, Massachusetts. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Merrimack Warriors Betting Preview

The Merrimack Warriors are 3-6 this season after they defeated La Salle by a score of 66-60 in their last game. Merrimack led 42-36 at halftime and tied the second half at 24 to secure the low scoring win. The Warriors shot 42% from the field, 36% on three pointers, and 73% on free throws in the game. Ernest Shelton led Merrimack with 17 points and two rebounds, while Kevair Kennedy added 16 points and six assists in the win. 

Prior to that game, Merrimack lost to Hofstra by a score of 78-58 and Penn by a score of 77-65. The Warriors have scored 64.7 points per game with 28.7 rebounds and 11.9 assists per game, while they have allowed 76.1 points against per game this season. Ernest Shelton is averaging 16.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, while Kevair Kennedy is averaging 13.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game for the Warriors. Merrimack is shooting 36.7% from the field, 76.3% on free throws, and 29.0% on three pointers this season. 

Rider Broncs Betting Preview

The Rider Broncs are 1-5 this year after they lost to Coppin State by a score of 68-65 in their last game. Rider led 37-24 at halftime, but they were outscored 44-28 in the second half for the ugly loss. The Broncs shot 30% from the field, 28% on three pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Zion Cruz led Rider with 18 points and four rebounds, while Flash Burton added 13 points and seven rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Rider lost to Houston by a score of 91-45 and Texas by a score of 99-65. The Broncs have scored 61.2 points per game with 39.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 80.0 points against per game this season. Zion Cruz is averaging 11.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, while Flash Burton is averaging 11.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game for the Broncs. Rider is shooting 35% from the field, 73.5% on free throws, and 24% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Merrimack Warriors will win

• Merrimack has won each of its last seven Thursday home games.
• Rider has lost six of its last seven games.
• Rider has lost the first half in eight of its last nine games against Conference opponents.

Why the Rider Broncs will win

• Merrimack has lost five of its last six night games.
• Rider has won four of its last five games against Conference opponents.
• Merrimack has lost the first half in five of its last six night games.

Total Points Facts

• Eleven of Merrimack’s last 12 games at Lawler Arena have produced a total of 137 or fewer points.
• Five of Rider’s last six games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 142+ points.

Merrimack vs Rider Prediction 

Rider comes into this matchup looking for their first D1 win of the season, but they are coming off of a bad loss to Coppin State in their last game. The Broncs are shooting 35% from the field and they have scored 65 points or fewer in four of their last five. Merrimack did snap their losing streak with a win over La Salle last time out, but they are shooting 37% from the field. The Warriors have scored 66 points or fewer in four straight games and they are only averaging 28.7 rebounds per game. I don’t like either team in this contest, so I will back Rider and take the points.