The Merrimack Warriors (7-16) are hosting the LIU Sharks (3-19) in a battle between NEC foes on Thursday evening. This will be the first of two regular-season matchups between the schools. The Warriors are fourth in the conference standings, meanwhile, the Sharks sit in ninth place. The all-time series is tied 3-3 with the teams alternating wins and losses.
Tipoff from Hammel Court in North Andover is set for 5 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. The Warriors are 13.5-point favorites in the latest Long Island vs. Merrimack odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 130. Before locking in any Merrimack vs. Long Island picks, be sure to see the college basketball predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. The model enters Week 13 of the season 50-29 on all-top rated college basketball picks, returning more than $1,200 for $100 players. Anybody who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Merrimack vs. Long Island and just locked in its picks and CBB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several college basketball odds and betting lines for LIU vs. Merrimack:
- Long Island vs. Merrimack spread: Warriors -13.5
- Long Island vs. Merrimack over/under: 130 points
- Long Island vs. Merrimack money line: Warriors -1100, Sharks +700
- LIU: Sharks are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games following a straight-up loss
- MW: Warriors are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss
- Long Island vs. Merrimack picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Merrimack can cover
Freshman guard Jordan Derkack has been finding his groove offensively lately. Derkack is taking his defender off the dribble with a knack for drawing contact and getting to the free-throw line. The New Jersey native has shot at least five free throws in seven of his last eight games. He's also scored in double figures in six straight matchups. Derkack logged 11 points and five assists in his previous outing.
Freshman guard Javon Bennett joins Derkack in the backcourt. Bennett plays stout defense due to his quick hands and sound instincts. The Florida native leads the conference in steals (2.7) to go with 7.7 points and 2.4 assists per game. He's also scored 10-plus in three of his last four matchups. On Jan. 26, Bennett finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Why LIU can cover
Sophomore guard Marko Maletic is a floor-spacing sharpshooter on the perimeter. Maletic knows how to move well without the ball and excels as a catch-and-shoot threat. The Ontario native leads the team in scoring (16.8) and 3-point percentage (40.4%). He's made at least four 3-pointers in seven games. On Jan. 14, Maletic totaled 20 points and shot 5-of-10 from beyond the arc.
Sophomore guard Andre Washington is a shifty ball handler in the backcourt. Washington has good foot speed and quickness to get past his defender and get into the lane. The New York native averages 12.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. On Jan. 26, he racked up 15 points and went 3 of 6 from deep.
How to make LIU vs. Merrimack picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the total. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations. You can only see the model's picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Merrimack vs. LIU? And which side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its college basketball picks, and find out.
