Canisius vs Sacred Heart Prediction 1/22/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Sacred Heart Pioneers and the Canisius Golden Griffins will meet on Thursday night in a MAAC matchup at the William H. Pitt Center in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Sacred Heat Pioneers Betting Preview

The Sacred Heart Pioneers enter Thursday evening’s matchup with Rider with a 7–13 overall win-loss record, including a 3–6 mark in conference play and a 3-4 record at home. The Pioneers have compiled wins over Dartmouth, Mount St. Mary’s and Holy Cross, while dropping games to Marist, Penn State, Iona and the Central Connecticut Blue Devils. In the Sacred Heart Pioneers 70–60 loss to Quinnipiac earlier this month, Sacred Heart forward Anquan Hill tallied 21 points (8 of 15 shooting from the field: 2 of 5 shooting from three-point range) illustrating his ability to lead the Pioneers frontcourt.

The Sacred Heart Pioneers are averaging 74.6 points on 42.7 percent shooting from the field and 35.9 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Defensively, the Pioneers are allowing opponents 78.9 points per contest.

Senior forward Anquan Hill leads the Sacred Heart Pioneers averaging 16.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block per game. Senior guard Dashon Gittens contributes 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals per contest. Junior forward Yann Farell averages 11.5 rebounds and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Canisius Golden Griffins Betting Preview

The Canisius Golden Griffins enter Thursday’s contest with an 8–11 record, including a 3–5 mark in conference play and a 2–8 record on the road. Canisius has amassed wins over Sacred Heart, Manhattan, and Fairfield, while dropping recent games to Mount St. Mary’s, Siena, St. Peters and the Buffalo Bulls.

These two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? In the Canisius Golden Griffins 82-78 win over the Sacred Heart Pioneers earlier this month, Canisius forward Bryan Ndjonga accumulated 19 points (6 of 10 shooting from the field), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 2 steals.

The Canisius Golden Griffins are averaging 61.3 points on 39.4 percent shooting from the field and 34.2 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Golden Griffins are allowing opponents 72.4 points per contest.

Senior guard Kahlil Singleton leads the Canisius Golden Griffins, averaging 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game. Forward Myles Wilmoth averages 4.9 points and 4.6 rebounds, while forward Bryan Ndjonga adds 12.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per contest.

Why the Sacred Heart Pioneers will win

• Guard play. Senior guard Dashon Gittens contributes 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals per contest.

• Interior production. Senior forward Anquan Hill leads the Sacred Heart Pioneers averaging 16.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block per game.

• Offensive edge. The Sacred Heart Pioneers are averaging 74.6 points per game. Conversely, the Golden Griffins are averaging a rather low 61.3 per contest.

Why the Canisius Golden Griffins will win

• Quality guard play. Senior guard Kahlil Singleton leads the Canisius Golden Griffins backcourt averaging 13.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

• Confidence. Canisius defeated Sacred Heart 82–78 earlier this month.

• Defensive discipline. Through 19 games played this season, the Golden Griffins are allowing opponents 72.4 points per contest.

Sacred Heart vs. Canisius Prediction

In my view, Sacred Heart’s three‑point volume, home court edge and efficient offense gives them a clear edge against a Canisius team that has struggled defensively on the road all season. The Canisius Golden Griffins quality guard play will keep the team in the game early, but I don’t see that taking place over 40 minutes of play. For me, the Pioneers are the more reliable side to be on in this matchup. I’m backing Sacred Heart to control this one and win at home.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Sacred Heart -9.5