Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our NJIT vs Massachusetts NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Amherst.
NJIT vs Massachusetts Prediction
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Highlanders versus the Minutemen? Tip off is at at 12:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at William D. Mullins Memorial Center in Amherst, MA. The over/under for this game is set at 140 points, and Massachusetts is favored by -16.5 against NJIT in a non-conference matchup.
NJIT vs. Massachusetts Matchup At A Glance
- Sport: NCAAB
- Teams: NJIT Highlanders at Massachusetts Minutemen
- Where: Amherst at William D. Mullins Memorial Center
- Date: Sunday, December 1st
- Betting Odds UMASS -16.5, NJIT +816 | UMASS -1453 O/U 140
Highlanders Preview: Is a Road Win Possible for NJIT?
On Wednesday, November 27th, the Highlanders picked up a 78-69 road win over Morehead State. Entering the game as +8 point underdogs, NJIT not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
After trailing 32-31 at halftime, NJIT turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring Morehead State 47-37. The game’s total points of 147 went over the pre-game O/U line of 129.5.
Highlanders Offense Breakdown
Kenny White Jr. led the way for NJIT with 34 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 61.9% from the field in their recent game. Tariq Francis added 23 points, and Sebastian Robinson chipped in 21, hitting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc.
As a team, the Highlanders connected on 10 threes, shooting 43.5% from deep and 46.2% overall. They also hit 87% of their free throws, going 20 for 23 from the line, and grabbed 12 offensive rebounds.
Highlanders Team Defense
Even with NJIT's defense giving up 69 points, they managed to keep their opponent's shooting in check, allowing 43% from the field on 25 of 58 attempts. Inside the arc, the Highlanders gave up 17 two-point baskets on 37 attempts, a 45% shooting rate.
From three-point range, NJIT's defense allowed 8 made threes on 21 attempts, which is 38% shooting. They also put their opponent on the free-throw line 23 times, where they hit 11, shooting 47%. NJIT gave up 16 offensive rebounds in the game.
Minutemen Preview: Does Massachusetts Have What it Takes at Home?
Massachusetts Minutemen Recent Game/Games
Massachusetts picked up a 62-54 win over Harvard on Wednesday, November 27th. The Minutemen were -2.5 favorites going into the game and covered the spread with the victory.
After a 24-24 tie at halftime, Massachusetts outscored Harvard 38-30 in the second half. The game’s total points of 116 fell well short of the 148.5 O/U line.
Minutemen Offense Breakdown
UMass struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 40.3% from the field and hitting only 1 of 16 three-point attempts for a 6.2% mark. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.8%, and they shot 63.6% from the free-throw line.
Despite their shooting woes, the Minutemen grabbed 21 offensive rebounds and were led by Thomas Batties II with 16 points and 3 assists. Rahsool Diggins and Daniel Hankins-Sanford each added 14 points, with Hankins-Sanford also contributing 10 rebounds.
Minutemen Team Defense
Massachusetts put on a defensive clinic, holding their opponent to just 54 points on 37% shooting from the field. The Minutemen were particularly effective inside, limiting the opposition to 41% on two-point attempts.
From beyond the arc, Massachusetts kept their opponent in check, allowing just 6 threes on 20 attempts, a 30% success rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line only 3 times, where they made 2.
Highlanders vs Minutemen Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis
- Across their ten previous road games, NJIT has an ATS mark of 4-6. Their straight up record in these matchups was 1-9 while averaging 65 points per game.
- Through their last ten home games, Massachusetts has an ATS record of just 6-4. However, their overall record was 5-5 while averaging 70 points per game.
- Through their last five games as the betting underdog, the Highlanders have a strong record vs the spread going 3-2. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-4.
- Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Minutemen have an overall record of 3-2 while going 2-3 against the spread.
NJIT vs Massachusetts Prediction & Free Pick
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Prediction: NJIT +16.5 Be sure to check out our other NCAA Basketball betting previews for this week. KnupSports.com also updates their sports betting picks page daily with plays across all sports.