As we dive into the second half of the college basketball season, the margin for error is shrinking, and every game counts - especially for teams teetering on the bubble. This Wednesday, everything is lined up for an intriguing matchup at Allen Arena, where a home team riding a three-game win streak looks to bolster its tournament resume against a visitor desperate for a quality win. With both teams hailing from the ASUN conference, this game may not seem like a traditional non-conference showdown, but the stakes are high, particularly for the home team, which is seeking to strengthen its case for a postseason berth.
Lipscomb, with a NET ranking of 153, is in a precarious position, needing quality wins to offset a lackluster performance in Quadrant 1 and 2 games. Their current quad record of 0-4 in Q1 and 0-1 in Q2 games is a major concern, but a win here, classified as a Quad 4 game, would help them maintain momentum and build on their recent success. On the other side, Stetson, ranked 331 in the NET, faces an uphill battle, with a dismal record in Quadrant 1, 2, and 3 games. A win on the road would be a significant upset and a much-needed boost to their tournament hopes.
CHD Scout Prediction
Stetson
69
Lipscomb
83
According to the CHD Scout prediction, Lipscomb is favored to win by 12.1 points, with an 86% win probability. This prediction is not surprising, given the home team's recent form and the significant disparity in NET rankings between the two teams. Unfortunately, there's no notable player momentum to speak of in this matchup, so we'll have to rely on team trends to guide our expectations.
As the home team looks to extend its win streak and pad its tournament resume, the visitor will be fighting to prove it can compete against a stronger opponent. Given the CHD Scout prediction and the recent form of both teams, it's likely that Lipscomb will emerge victorious, covering the 14.5-point spread in the process. With their superior record and home-court advantage, Lipscomb should be able to control the tempo and secure a crucial win, keeping their tournament aspirations alive. I predict a 12-point win for the home team, with the final score hovering around 83-69, as forecasted by the CHD Scout.