Central Connecticut vs Long Island University Prediction 1/2/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Central Connecticut Blue Devils and the LIU Sharks meet Friday in college basketball action from the Steinberg Wellness Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs. LIU Sharks prediction.

Central Connecticut Blue Devils Recap

The Central Connecticut Blue Devils come into this game looking to rebound from an 84-70 loss at the hands of Fairfield last time out to sit at 6-5 this season. After this game, Central Connecticut will head home for a game against New Haven.

Blue Devils Drop 3 Of Last 4

Darin Smith Jr. leads Central Connecticut in scoring with 20 PPG and 5.2 RPG while Jay Rodgers has 10.1 PPG with 2.8 RPG and a team-high 7.1 APG to lead the Blue Devils in the assist department so far this season. Max Frazier has 11.3 PPG with 6.6 RPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Central Connecticut so far this season. Melo Sanchez also has 8.2 PPG and James Jones has a team-high 7.4 RPG as well on the year. As a team, Central Connecticut is averaging 79.2 PPG on 47.7% shooting from the field, 38% from three and 71.8% from the foul line this season. 

LIU Sharks Recap

The LIU Sharks come into this game looking to shake off an 89-74 loss at the hands of Georgia last time out to sit at 6-7 this season. After this game, LIU will head on the road for a game against Chicago State.

Sharks Lose 3 In A Row

Malachi Davis leads the Sharks in scoring and assists with 16.1 PPG and 3.3 APG along with 3.2 RPG while Jamal Fuller has 15.5 PPG with 5.4 RPG to lead LIU in rebounding and Greg Gordon has 14.8 PPG with 4.9 RPG and 2.9 APG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for LIU up to this point in the year. Jomo Goings also has 9.1 PPG with 5 RPG and 2.4 APG as well for the Sharks up to this point in the year. As a team, LIU is averaging 76.6 PPG on 47.8% shooting from the field, 36.5% from three and 64.1% from the foul line this season.

Central Connecticut Blue Devils @ LIU Sharks Betting Trends: January 2, 2026

Why the LIU Sharks will win

• LIU has won seven of its last eight games against Conference opponents.
• Central Connecticut has lost nine of its last 12 games at Steinberg Wellness Center.
• LIU has won the first half in five of its last six home games.

Why the Central Connecticut Blue Devils will win

• Central Connecticut has won each of its last 10 road games against Conference opponents.
• LIU has lost four of its last five night games.
• LIU has lost the first half in each of its last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of LIU’s last 11 home games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 140 or fewer points.
• Each of Central Connecticut’s last four games at Steinberg Wellness Center have produced a total of 144 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• LIU ranks 359th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (4.9).
• LIU ranks 357th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (17.1).
• Central Connecticut ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (13.9).
• Central Connecticut ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (10.3).

Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs. LIU Sharks Prediction

I’m on Central Connecticut and the points here.I just think these are two of the better teams in the NEC, so I could easily see this matchup coming down to the wire and being decided by a single possession. LIU has definitely improved over the last couple of seasons, but I think the points are where it’s at here. Give me Central Connecticut and the points.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Central Connecticut +6.5