As the college basketball season hits its midpoint, Fairleigh Dickinson and Wagner find themselves in similar predicaments, desperately seeking quality wins to bolster their tournament hopes. Fairleigh Dickinson, with a NET ranking of 334, has struggled to make a statement, while Wagner's 318 ranking hasn't helped its case either. Both teams have dismal quad records, with Fairleigh Dickinson boasting a 0-2 mark in Quad 1 and 2 games, and Wagner faring no better.
The CHD Scout prediction gives Fairleigh Dickinson a slim 0.1-point edge, with a 50.3% win probability, indicating just how closely contested this matchup is expected to be. With Fairleigh Dickinson's recent form showing a loss-win-loss pattern, and Wagner mired in a 3-game losing streak, something's got to give. Unfortunately, neither team has a player on a hot streak to hang their hat on, making this a true toss-up.
CHD Scout Prediction
Wagner
70
Fairleigh Dickinson
70
Given the quad context, this game falls under Quad 4 for both teams, which means the winner won't get a significant bump in the tournament selection committee's eyes. However, a win would still provide a much-needed confidence boost, especially for Fairleigh Dickinson, which is favored by 2.5 points according to betmgm.
Tournament Stakes
I predict Fairleigh Dickinson will eke out a narrow 70-69 win, riding their home-court advantage to a crucial victory. The Knights' ability to protect their home floor, combined with Wagner's struggles on the road, should give them the slight edge they need to come out on top.