As the college basketball season heats up, teams like Chicago State and New Haven are fighting for every win to bolster their tournament resumes. The Chicago State Cougars, currently sitting at 2-19, are in dire need of a breakthrough, especially considering their dismal 0-8 conference record in the NEC. Their NET ranking of 354 doesn't help their case, making every game a must-win if they hope to make a push for the postseason. New Haven, on the other hand, boasts a slightly better record at 9-11, but their recent form, including wins in two of their last three games, suggests they might have the momentum to take down the Cougars.
The CHD Scout prediction has New Haven edging out Chicago State by a mere 0.1 points, with the Cougars holding a 49.6% win probability. This razor-thin margin indicates just how closely matched these teams are, despite their differences in record. Given that both teams are playing in a Quad 4 game, the implications for their tournament hopes are significant. A win for either side would be a much-needed boost, but it's particularly crucial for Chicago State, who have yet to secure a quality win this season.
CHD Scout Prediction
New Haven
66
Chicago State
66
Neither team has a player on a notable hot streak, which means the outcome will likely depend on which team can execute their game plan more effectively. Considering the tight prediction and the desperation of both teams, this game could go either way. However, given the slight edge in recent form and the prediction's narrow margin, I'm predicting New Haven will squeak out a win, 67-65, leveraging their slightly better overall performance to outlast the Cougars.