As the college basketball season heats up, Monmouth is looking to make a push for a stronger tournament resume, and a win against Northeastern on January 19 could be a step in the right direction. With a current NET ranking of 198, the Hawks need quality wins to bolster their chances, and a victory over the Huskies would certainly help. Monmouth's quad record, although not impressive, shows they have been competitive in lower-tier games, boasting a 6-6 record in Quad 4 matchups.
Northeastern, on the other hand, is struggling to find its footing, with a 6-14 overall record and a 2-7 conference mark. The Huskies' NET ranking of 248 makes this a Quad 3 game for them, but a Quad 4 matchup for Monmouth. Despite their recent form being inconsistent, with a win, loss, and loss in their last three games, Northeastern want to pull off an upset and gain some much-needed momentum.
CHD Scout Prediction
Northeastern
71
Monmouth
79
According to the CHD Scout prediction, Monmouth is favored to win by 7.9 points, with a 76.5% win probability. This prediction suggests that the Hawks' home court advantage at the OceanFirst Bank Center will play a significant role in the outcome. With no notable player momentum to speak of, this game will likely come down to which team can execute their game plan more effectively.
Tournament Stakes
I predict Monmouth will emerge victorious, 79-71, behind a strong performance on their home court. The Hawks' ability to capitalize on their favorable matchup and improve their tournament resume will be the deciding factor here. With a win, Monmouth can take a small step towards bolstering their bubble chances, while a loss would dealt a significant blow to their already slim tournament hopes.