LIU Sharks vs Mercyhurst Lakers Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Mercyhurst vs LIU NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Brooklyn.

Mercyhurst vs LIU Prediction

Planning on watching today's Lakers and Sharks game? Catch the action at Steinberg Wellness Center in Brooklyn, NY, as the Sharks hosts this showdown at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. This Northeast conference matchup has an over/under of 125.5 points, and LIU is favored to win by -7.5 at home vs. Mercyhurst.

Mercyhurst vs. LIU Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Mercyhurst Lakers at LIU Sharks
Where: Brooklyn at Steinberg Wellness Center
Date: Monday, January 20th
Betting Odds LIUB -7.5, MRCY +262 | LIUB -335 O/U 125.5

Lakers Preview: Will the Lakers Defense Show Up in Brooklyn?

Mercyhurst Lakers Recent Game/Games

Mercyhurst improved to 5-12 on the season with a 69-65 road win over Wagner on Saturday. The Lakers entered the game as +5.5 underdogs and not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.

After trailing 30-22 at halftime, Mercyhurst turned things around by scoring 47 points in the second half while allowing 35. The game’s total points of 134 exceeded the O/U line of 119.5.

Lakers Offense Breakdown

Mercyhurst's offense put up 69 points in their last game, shooting 48.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 56.1%. They hit 40% from beyond the arc, connecting on 6 of 15 attempts, and were strong at the free-throw line, converting 85.2% on 23 of 27 shooting.

Aidan Reichert led the way with 22 points and 8 rebounds, while R.J. Greene added 17 points, hitting 75% of his shots. Shemar Rathan-Mayes also shot 75%, contributing 14 points and 2 assists.

Lakers Team Defense

Despite Mercyhurst's defense allowing just 65 points, they sent their opponents to the free-throw line 29 times, where they converted 25 of those attempts, shooting 86% from the line.

From the field, Mercyhurst's defense allowed 41% shooting, with 50% on two-point attempts (14/28) and 26% from beyond the arc (4/15). They also gave up 10 offensive rebounds.

Sharks Preview: Can LIU Pull Off a Home Win?

LIU Sharks Recent Game/Games

LIU improved to 7-11 on the season with a 64-51 win over Saint Francis U on Saturday, January 18th. The Sharks, playing at home, were -5.5 favorites going into the game and covered the spread with the victory.

LIU took control early, leading 34-23 at halftime. They scored 30 points in the 2nd half while holding Saint Francis U to 28. The game’s total points were 115, falling short of the 133.5 O/U line.

Sharks Offense Breakdown

LIU put up 64 points in their latest game, shooting 44.7% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc, hitting 8 threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 53.2%, and they were strong at the free-throw line, converting 87.5% of their attempts (14/16).

Malachi Davis led the way with 23 points, shooting 50% overall and 37.5% from deep. He also added 3 assists. The Sharks dished out 12 assists as a team and grabbed 9 offensive rebounds.

Sharks Team Defense

Despite giving up 51 points, the LIU Sharks defense allowed their opponent to shoot 44% from the field, including 48% on two-point attempts (13/27). From beyond the arc, their opponent hit 8 of 20 threes, good for 40% shooting.

LIU sent their opponent to the free-throw line 16 times, where they converted 14 attempts for 87%. The Sharks also gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.

Lakers vs Sharks Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across the Lakers last three road games, the team averaged 63 points per game while allowing 72. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 1-2 straight-up.
When looking at their past five home matchups, LIU has an ATS record of 4-1 while averaging 59 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
The last five games that Mercyhurst was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 2-3 while going 2-3 straight up.
LIU has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 4-1 SU and 4-1 ATS in their last five games.