As the college basketball season hits its midpoint, the stakes are rising for teams on the bubble. For those in the Horizon League, the margin for error is slim, and every game becomes a crucial opportunity to build a tournament-worthy resume. This Wednesday, two teams in need of a quality win face off at the UPMC Events Center, where Robert Morris hosts Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Both teams are still searching for a signature victory to propel them up the rankings, and this matchup could be a turning point in their respective seasons.
Robert Morris, with a 12-8 record and a NET ranking of 192, is currently favored to win, according to the CHD Scout prediction, which gives them an 8.1-point edge and a 77.2% chance of emerging victorious. The Colonials have been inconsistent in their recent outings, with a record of 1-2 in their last three games, but they have a strong home-court advantage that could give them the boost they need. On the other hand, Milwaukee has struggled to find its footing, particularly against stronger opponents, with a 0-4 record in Quad 1 games and a 0-2 mark in Quad 2 contests.
The tournament implications of this game cannot be overstated. A win for Robert Morris would not only improve their overall record but also give them a much-needed Quad 3 victory, which could help bolster their tournament resume. For Milwaukee, a road win would be a significant upset and a crucial addition to their portfolio, potentially moving them up the NET rankings and into the conversation for a postseason berth. However, with their current quad record, it's clear that the Panthers have an uphill climb ahead of them.
CHD Scout Prediction
Milwaukee
74
Robert Morris
82
Unfortunately, neither team has a player riding a hot streak, which could make for a tightly contested, defensive-minded game. The over/under is set at 149.5, and given the recent trends, it's likely that this game will be a low-scoring affair. Robert Morris, with their home-court advantage and slightly better record, seems poised to take control of the game and dictate the tempo.
In the end, I predict Robert Morris will come out on top, winning by around 8-10 points. Their home-court edge, combined with Milwaukee's struggles against better opponents, gives them the upper hand in this crucial Horizon League showdown. The Colonials need a win like this to stay in the tournament conversation, and I expect them to rise to the occasion and take care of business at home.