Merrimack College Warriors vs Rider Broncs Matchup

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

Merrimack College vs Rider Prediction

Betting on today's Warriors and Broncs game? Catch the action at Alumni Gymnasium (Rider) in Lawrenceville, NJ, as the Broncs hosts this showdown at 4:00 ET on ESPN+. Merrimack College is favored by -4.5 in this Metro Atlantic Athletic conference contest against Rider. The game's over/under currently sits at 129.5 points.

Merrimack College vs. Rider Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Merrimack College Warriors at Rider Broncs
Where: Lawrenceville at Alumni Gymnasium (Rider)
Date: Sunday, February 2nd
Betting Odds MERRI -4.5, MERRI -225 | RIDER +183 O/U 129.5

Warriors Preview: Will the Warriors Defense Show Up in Lawrenceville?

Merrimack College Warriors Recent Game/Games

The Warriors fell to 11-10 on the season after a 66-58 loss to Mount St. Mary's on Friday. Merrimack, who were -9 favorites at home, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game came in at 124, under the pre-game line of 132.5.

Merrimack found themselves in a 37-22 hole at halftime but showed some fight in the second half, outscoring the Mountaineers 36-29. However, their comeback effort fell short.

Warriors Offense Breakdown

Merrimack's offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 31.6% from the field and 27.8% on two-point attempts. They connected on 13 of 39 three-point shots, hitting at a 33.3% rate, while their effective field goal percentage was 42.1%.

Adam Clark dished out 7 assists, though he shot just 21.4% from the field. Dola Adebayo led the team with 16 points, shooting 63.6%, and Jedy Cordilia contributed 12 points and 18 rebounds.

Warriors Team Defense

Despite Merrimack's defensive efforts, their opponent managed to put up 66 points, shooting 31% from the field. The Warriors held them to just 27% on two-point attempts, with the opponent hitting 5 of 18 shots.

From beyond the arc, Merrimack's opponent went 13/39, shooting 33%. They also went to the free-throw line 15 times, making 9 of those attempts for 60%. Merrimack gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.

Broncs Preview: Will Rider Come Through as Home Underdogs?

Rider Broncs Recent Game/Games

Rider improved to 8-13 on the season with a 67-64 home win over Saint Peter's on Friday, January 31st. The Broncs entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs and covered the spread with the victory.

Rider led 34-25 at halftime but allowed 39 points in the 2nd half while scoring 33. The total points for the game hit 131, going over the pre-game line of 125.5.

Broncs Offense Breakdown

Rider's offense put up 67 points in their latest game, shooting 52.9% from the field. They were especially effective inside, hitting 62.5% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 2 of 11 threes (18.2%).

At the free-throw line, the Broncs connected on 11 of 13 attempts, good for 84.6%. They recorded 8 assists and 7 offensive rebounds. T.J. Weeks Jr. led the way with 17 points, while Zion Cruz added 14.

Broncs Team Defense

Despite Rider's strong defensive effort from beyond the arc, they still gave up 64 points, with their opponents shooting 52% from the field. The Broncs struggled to contain two-point shots, allowing 25 of 40 attempts to fall, a 62% clip.

Rider sent their opponents to the free-throw line 13 times, where they converted 11 attempts, shooting 84%. The Broncs also allowed 7 offensive rebounds in the game.

Warriors vs Broncs Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last ten road contests, the Warriors offense has averaged 68 points per game while allowing an average of 64. Merrimack College posted an overall record of 6-4 while going 7-3 ATS.
The Broncs are 3-0 ATS in their last three home games and 2-1 straight-up.
In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Broncs have a straight up record of 4-6 and an ATS mark of 5-5.
Through their previous five contests as the betting favorite, the Warriors have a strong record of 4-1. Their record vs the spread in these matchups is 2-3.