Chicago State vs Wagner Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/3/25

In this article we will formulate a Chicago State vs Wagner prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, January 3rd at the Spiro Sports Center in Staten Island, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Chicago State Cougars Betting Preview

The Chicago State Cougars are 0-15 (0-0) this year after they lost to Illinois by a score of 117-64 in their last game. Chicago State trailed 60-24 at the half and they allowed 57 more points in the second half for the blowout loss. The Cougars shot 37.3% from the field, 32.3% on three-pointers, and 100% on free throws in the game. Gabe Spinelli led Chicago State with 20 points and three assists, while Noble Crawford added 15 points and two rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Cougars lost their first 14 games of the season, with 13 of them coming by double digits. Chicago State is looking for their first win of the season, but they have scored 63 points or fewer in four of their last five games. Chicago State has scored 59.9 points per game and they have allowed 85.3 points per game, while also averaging 32.5 rebounds and 10.1 assists per game this season. Jalen Forrest is averaging 8.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, while Noble Crawford is averaging 8.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this year. Chicago State is shooting 35.2% from the field, 65.7% on free throws, and 29.3% on three-pointers this season. Chicago State will play against LIU following this one.

Wagner Seahawks Betting Preview

The Wagner Seahawks are 8-5 (0-0) this season after they defeated PSU Scranton by a score of 120-30 in their last game. Wagner led 54-15 at halftime and added 66 points in the second half in the blowout victory. The Seahawks shot 58.4% from the field, 37.1% on three-pointers, and 77.3% on free throws in the game. Zaire Williams led Wagner with 24 points and seven assists, while Zavier Fitch added 21 points and six rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Seahawks defeated another non-D-1 team by a score of 83-52 but did lose to Manhattan by a score of 80-66 before that. Wagner has won five of their last six games, but four of their wins this season have come against non-D-1 teams. Wagner has scored 65.2 points per game and they have allowed 56.5 points per game, while also averaging 36.8 rebounds and 14.1 assists per game this season. Zaire Williams is averaging 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while Ja’Kair Sanchez is averaging 9.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game this year. Wagner is shooting 41.5% from the field, 68.3% on free throws, and 34.3% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Wagner will beat Chicago State

• Chicago State has lost each of its last 14 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Wagner has won 14 of its last 15 Friday games.
• Chicago State has lost the first half in each of its last nine night games.

Chicago State vs Wagner Prediction 

Chicago State was unable to pick up any wins during their non-conference schedule, but they will look to start conference play with a big road win here. The Cougars are shooting just 35.2% from the field and they are scoring 59.9 points per game this year. Chicago State has also struggled on the defensive end of the floor, as they are allowing over 85 points per game. Wagner is 8-5 to start the year and they have won five of their last six games, but they have also beaten up some bad teams so far. The Seahawks are also a very poor shooting team and they are scoring just 65.2 points per game, but they are elite on the defensive end of the floor. I don’t like either team in this game, but I can’t back Chicago State in this spot. Take Wagner at home.