In this article, we will formulate a Navy vs Wake Forest Prediction for this NIT 1st Round matchup on Wednesday, March 18th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Preview
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have a 17-16 overall record and a 7-11 record in the ACC conference. They are coming off a 71-62 loss against Clemson and their previous three games were a 95-89 win against Virginia Tech, an 80-73 win against California and a 75-70 loss against Virginia.
Offensively, Wake Forest averages 78.8 points per game, while allowing 76.1 points per game defensively. The Demon Deacons shoot with 45% from the field and grab 33.2 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.3 assists per game. They average 3.5 blocks per game and 7.8 steals per game defensively.
Juke Harris leads Wake Forest in scoring, with an average of 21.3 points per game, while shooting with 44.4% from the field and 78.1% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 6.5 rebounds. Sebastian Akins leads the team in assists with 1.9 per game.
Navy Midshipmen Preview
The Navy Midshipmen have a 26-7 overall record and a 17-1 record in the Patriot League conference. They are coming off a 73-72 loss against Boston University and their previous three games were a 74-69 win against Bucknell, an 85-69 win against Colgate and a 78-51 road win against Loyola Maryland.
Offensively, Navy averages 74.7 points per game, while allowing 63.6 points per game defensively. The Midshipmen shoot with 48% from the field and grab 36.6 rebounds per game, while dishing out 16.3 assists per game. They average 3.2 blocks per game and 7.7 steals per game defensively.
Austin Benigni leads Navy in scoring, with an average of 18 points per game, while shooting with 42% from the field and 88.6% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 4.4 assists. Aidan Kehoe is the team’s leading rebounder with 10.9 per game.
Navy Midshipmen @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Trends: March 18, 2026
Why the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will win
- Wake Forest has won 37 of its last 38 night games against non-Conference opponents at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
- Navy has lost each of its last four games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.
- Navy has lost the first half in each of its last four games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Why the Navy Midshipmen will win
- Navy has won 14 of its last 15 games.
- Wake Forest has lost five of its last six games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- Wake Forest has lost the first half in seven of its last eight home games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Navy’s last six games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 144 or fewer points.
- Nine of Wake Forest’s last 10 home games have produced a total of 153+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Wake Forest ranks 28th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (77.1%).
- Wake Forest ranks 49th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (8.0).
- Navy ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (14.3).
- Navy ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (63.8).
Navy vs Wake Forest Prediction
In this Navy vs Wake Forest Prediction, Wake Forest is coming as -12.5 home favorites. Navy had a far better record both overall and against the spread this season but they were in a far easier conference. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games and 8-2 against the spread, while Wake Forest is 3-4 in its last 7 games but 7-3 against the spread. Navy has the 5th-best defense in the entire nation and even though they had a far easier schedule, they are being undervalued by the books in this spot as they are also 10-4 ATS on the road, while Wake Forest is 8-10 ATS at home. Take Navy and get the +12.5 points as I totally expect them to keep this one close.