Big South vs. America East action as Longwood makes the journey to upstate New York. The Bearcats have had a mixed start with wins over lower-division foes but losses to Penn State, Miami, and Fordham. Longwood, on the other hand, is off to a 4-0 start. What's truly impressive is how they've won despite shooting just 28.6% from 3 in three games against Division I opponents. They've triumphed by 18, 14, and 2 points, with the most recent win coming against a UT Martin team that employs a unique defense under new head coach Jeremy Shulman. We can expect some positive regression in the 3-point percentage department. Binghamton, under head coach Levell Sanders, has not performed well offensively in their four seasons, ranking 235th, 228th, 244th, and 218th in eFG% offense. Longwood should have an advantage as they replace key players from last year's tournament team. Griff Aldrich is an excellent head coach, and each game is a chance for improvement with a roster full of transfers and some bench holdovers. Pick: Longwood -7
In this matchup, Longwood's ability to win close games and their offensive rebounding skills could give them the edge. Binghamton will need to step up their game on both ends to keep up with Longwood. The 7 p.m. ET tip-off promises an exciting battle between these two teams.
The Bearcats take a short trip across the Ohio River to face Northern Kentucky. Last season, Cincinnati won 90-66 in a game played to 67 possessions without 7-footer Aziz Bandaogo. This season, they're a different team, with Bradley transfer Connor Hickman and Texas transfer Dillon Mitchell providing efficient scoring. Cincinnati has dominated their opponents so far, winning by 55, 27, and 37 points. However, this is a step up in competition, especially against Northern Kentucky's pressure defense. NKU has struggled offensively, averaging.808,.805, and.871 points per possession against Florida State, Purdue, and Nicholls. If we extrapolate that average to 67 possessions, it puts them at 55.5 points. They haven't shot well from 3, haven't taken care of the ball well, and have struggled on 2s, shooting just 44%. Nicholls had 35 shot attempts at the rim in their upset win over Northern Kentucky and made only 13 of them. I believe Cincinnati's length and athleticism will be enough to overcome NKU's offensive struggles. Pick: Cincinnati -12.5
Cincinnati's offensive firepower and defensive capabilities make them a strong favorite in this matchup. Northern Kentucky will need to find a way to slow down Cincinnati and improve their offensive execution. The 7 p.m. ET start time sets the stage for an intense battle between these conference rivals.
Cleveland State has a rich coaching history, with coaches like Gary Waters and Dennis Gates leading the team to success. This season, they're a work in progress after losing key players but still excel in offensive rebounding and forcing turnovers. Minnesota, under Ben Johnson, has been slowing the game down, with games played to 65, 66, 57, and 54 possessions. They have the 16th-best assist rate vs. D-I opponents but are shooting just 49.6% on 2s and 30.7% on 3s. Cleveland State's effort level will be crucial in a game where they'll be defending the shot clock. Their offensive rebounding and defensive pressure could lead to some crucial possessions. Even in losses to Michigan and Kansas State, they had 38 combined offensive rebounds. Pick: Cleveland State +14.5
Cleveland State has the potential to make this game competitive despite the large spread. Their ability to control the boards and create turnovers could give them an edge. Minnesota will need to play better on both ends to cover the spread. The 7 p.m. ET tip-off will determine the outcome of this intriguing matchup.