Fairfield Stags vs Merrimack College Warriors Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Fairfield vs Merrimack College NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in North Andover.

Fairfield vs Merrimack College Prediction

Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Stags and Warriors. The game is starting at 3:00 ET on ESPN+, and it's hosted by the Warriors at Hammel Court in North Andover, MA. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 138.5 points, and Merrimack College is favored by -7.5 to win at home against Fairfield.

Fairfield vs. Merrimack College Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Fairfield Stags at Merrimack College Warriors
Where: North Andover at Hammel Court
Date: Friday, January 3rd
Betting Odds MERRI -7.5, FAIR +242 | MERRI -316 O/U 138.5

Stags Preview: Can Fairfield Pull Off a Road Win?

Fairfield’s season record dropped to 4-8 after an 85-72 loss to Columbia on Saturday. The Stags, who entered the game as +9.5 point underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points hit 157, surpassing the pre-game O/U line of 153.5.

Fairfield led 41-32 at halftime but struggled in the second half, scoring just 31 points while allowing 53 points to Columbia.

Stags Offense Breakdown

Fairfield's offense put up 72 points in their last game, shooting 43.8% from the field. They hit 13 of 29 threes, good for 44.8%, and finished with an effective field goal percentage of 53.1%.

Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa led the way with 27 points, hitting 5 of 11 from deep. Zine Eddine Bedri added 12 points and 17 rebounds, while Jamie Bergens contributed 12 points and 7 assists.

Stags Team Defense

Fairfield's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 85 points on 57% shooting from the field. They allowed the opposing team to hit 70% of their two-point attempts, going 21/30 inside the arc.

From three-point range, Fairfield's opponents shot 40%, making 9 of 22 attempts. They also sent them to the line 17 times, where they converted 16 free throws for 94%. Fairfield gave up 6 offensive rebounds.

Warriors Preview: Is a Home Win Possible for Merrimack College?

Merrimack College fell to 5-8 on the season after a 73-68 road loss to Saint Mary's on Thursday. The Warriors were +20.5 point underdogs going into the game but managed to keep it close, covering the spread.

After trailing 32-26 at halftime, Merrimack put up 42 points in the 2nd half while allowing 41. The game’s total points of 141 exceeded the over/under line of 128.5.

Warriors Offense Breakdown

Merrimack's offense was firing from deep in their last game, hitting 57.1% of their threes (12/21) and finishing with an effective field goal percentage of 62%. Overall, they shot 50% from the field and were perfect from the line, going 6/6 on free throws.

Paulius Murauskas and Mitchell Saxen each scored 18 points, with Murauskas adding 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Adam Clark also contributed 8 assists, while Devon Savage and Matt Becht both knocked down 4 threes, with Savage hitting 80% from beyond the arc.

Warriors Team Defense

Merrimack College's defense gave up 73 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 45% from the field, hitting 26 of 57 shots. Inside the arc, the opposition went 21/45, good for 46% shooting.

From three-point range, Merrimack allowed 5 made threes on 12 attempts, a 41% clip. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 16, shooting 84%. Merrimack gave up 16 offensive rebounds.

Stags vs Warriors Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last ten games away from home, the Stags have a straight up record of 4-6 while going 4-6 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 71 points per game in these contests.
In their last three home games, Merrimack College has averaged 72 points per game while allowing 69. The team's record in this stretch was 1-2 while going 3-0.
Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Stags have a straight up record of 0-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 1-2.
Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Warriors have a straight up record of 8-2. But, their mark vs the spread was just 5-5.