Fairleigh Dickinson vs Central Connecticut Prediction 1/23/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Central Connecticut Blue Devils and the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights will meet on Friday night in an NEC matchup at Detrick Gymnasium in New Britain, Connecticut.

Central Connecticut Blue Devils Betting Preview

The Central Connecticut Blue Devils enter Friday evening’s matchup with a 10–7 overall win‑loss record, including a 4–2 mark in conference play and a 5–1 record at home. The Blue Devils have compiled wins over St. Francis, Stonehill, New Haven and Sacred Heart, while dropping recent games to Long Island, Fairfield and the Seton Hall Pirates. More recently, in the Central Connecticut Blue Devils 98–90 victory over the St. Francis Red Flash last week, Central Connecticut forward Darin Smith Jr. tallied 34 points (10 of 14 shooting from the field: 4 of 4 shooting from three-point range), 9 rebounds and 2 assists.  

The Central Connecticut Blue Devils are averaging 72.4 points on 44.8 percent shooting from the field and 37.1 percent shooting from three‑point range (32nd in nation) per game. Defensively, the Blue Devils are allowing opponents 74.5 points per contest.

Sophomore forward Darin Smith Jr. leads the Central Connecticut Blue Devils averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Junior forward Max Frazier contributes 11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per contest, while senior guard Jay Rodgers adds 11.7 points and 7.6 assists per game.

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Betting Preview

The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights enter Friday’s contest with a 6–13 record, including a 3–3 mark in conference play and a 1–10 record on the road. Fairleigh Dickinson has amassed wins over Wagner, Chicago State and Mercyhurst, while losing games to Long Island, New Haven, Minnesota and the Boston College Eagles. In the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 68-61 win over Wagner three days ago, Fairleigh Dickinson guard Joey Niesman accumulated 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal illustrating his ability to lead the Central Connecticut backcourt.

The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights are averaging 65 points on 38.7 percent shooting from the field and 30.1 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Knights are allowing opponents 76.6 points per contest.

Senior guard Joey Niesman leads the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights averaging 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Senior guard Eric Parnall provides additional backcourt depth averaging 11.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per contest, while senior forward Taeshaud Jackson adds 9 points and 8.4 rebounds per contest.

Why the Central Connecticut Blue Devils will win

• Frontcourt play. Sophomore forward Darin Smith Jr. leads the Blue Devils frontcourt averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest.

• Home court edge. Central Connecticut is 5–1 at home this season.

• Offensive efficiency. The Blue Devils are averaging 72.4 points a game. Conversely, the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights are averaging only 65 per game.

• Momentum. The Central Connecticut Blue Devils have won four of the team’s last five games played in 2025.

Why the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights will win

• Quality guard play. Senior guard Joey Niesman leads the Knights backcourt averaging 11.6 points, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

• Confidence. Fairleigh Dickinson is coming off a 68–61 win over Wagner.

Central Connecticut vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Prediction

In my view, the Central Connecticut Blue Devils home court advantage, scoring balance and defensive consistency give them a clear edge against a Fairleigh Dickinson team that has struggled on the road all season (1-10). The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights quality guard play will keep them competitive in the first half, but I don’t see that holding up for 40 minutes. For me, the Blue Devils are the more reliable side to be on in this matchup. I’m backing Central Connecticut State to control this one and win at home.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Central Connecticut TBA