Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (9-8) vs. LIU Sharks (3-13)
January 21, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: LIU Sharks +7; Over/Under: +146
(Get latest betting odds)
The Central Connecticut Blue Devils and the LIU Sharks meet in college basketball action from the Steinberg Wellness Center on Sunday night. Who comes out on top in Sunday night NEC action? Let’s dive in and find out with our Central Connecticut vs. LIU Prediction.
Central Connecticut Team Preview
The Central Connecticut Blue Devils come into this one looking to bounce back from a 75-73 loss to Le Moyne last time out. Allen Jeanne-Rose leads the Blue Devils in scoring and rebounding with 15.9 PPG and 5 RPG while Jordan Jones has 12.6 PPG with 3.8 RPG and a team-high 3.1 APG to lead the Blue Devils in the assist department this season. Kellen Amos has 11.8 PPG with 4.5 RPG and 3 APG to cap off the scoring for CCSU in double figures up to this point in the year. As a team, Central Connecticut State is averaging 73.6 PPG on 45.7% shooting from the field, 31.2% from three and 70.9% from the foul line this season.
LIU Team Preview
The LIU Sharks come into this game looking to rebound from back-to-back losses after a 72-66 win over St. Francis last time out. Tai Strickland leads the Sharks in scoring with 13.9 PPG along with 3.6 RPG and 2.1 APG while Eric Acker has 13.2 PPG with 4.1 RPG and a team-high 3.9 APG to lead the Sharks in the assist department this season. Tana Kopa has 10.6 PPG with 3.6 RPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for LIU so far this season. R.J. Greene has 7.8 PPG with a team-high 6.8 RPG to lead the Sharks in rebounding while Terell Strickland has 2.8 APG of his own this season. As a team, LIU is averaging 63.6 PPG on 39.9% shooting from the field, 28.2% from three and 71.2% from the foul line this season.
Central Connecticut vs. LIU Prediction
I’m backing Central Connecticut State here. The Blue Devils are heads and shoulders the better team on both ends of the floor, and are built to exploit this LIU defense. The same can’t be said for the Sharks against the Blue Devils’ defense, and I think CCSU bags themselves a win and cover here.
