The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights (5-7) will be at the UPMC Events Center to square off with the Robert Morris Colonials (5-8) in a NEC matchup. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs. Robert Morris Colonials ATS Odds
Both teams got blown out in their last matchup. The Colonials fell to the USC Trojans, 83-62, while the Knights were defeated by the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 90-55.
Fairleigh Dickinson had a better offensive rebounding percentage (38.6 vs. 45.7) while Robert Morris had a much better turnover percentage (12.8 vs. 18.1). Robert Morris’ Koby Thomas had a good outing, putting up 16 points and 10 rebounds. Fairleigh Dickinson, meanwhile, was lifted by Darnell Edge, who finished with 17 points and six rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last game, the Knights won 73-67. Fairleigh Dickinson out-rebounded Robert Morris. The Knights had 15 offensive rebounds and 40 total rebounds, while the Colonials had nine and 34, respectively. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Edge and Xzavier Malone-Key have played at a high level over the last five games for Fairleigh Dickinson. Edge has averaged 0 points per game, while Malone-Key has put up 0 points a game during that span.
It might be a sloppy game for the Robert Morris offense. Robert Morris ranks 290th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.0 percent), while the gambling defense of Fairleigh Dickinson forces the 43rd-most turnovers in the nation (22.6 percent).
Fairleigh Dickinson vs. Robert Morris Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Robert Morris, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Fairleigh Dickinson averages 8.7 steals per game, which ranks 20th in the NCAA. Robert Morris ranks 110th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
- The Knights rank 60th in blocks per game (4.1) while the Colonials rank 103rd in blocks allowed per game (2.8).
- Robert Morris allows the 36th-fewest three pointers per game (19.8) while Fairleigh Dickinson ranks 45th (19.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Colonials have scored an average of 75.0 points per game (4.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
- The Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 1.0 for the season.
