Long Island University vs Central Connecticut Prediction 1/31/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Central Connecticut State Blue Devils and the Long Island University Sharks will meet on Saturday afternoon in an NEC matchup at William H. Detrick Gymnasium in New Britain, Connecticut.

Central Connecticut Blue Devils Betting Preview

The Central Connecticut Blue Devils enter Saturday’s contest with an 11–9 overall win‑loss record, including a 5–4 mark in conference play and a 5–2 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. Earlier this month, in the Central Connecticut Blue Devils 98–90 victory over the St. Francis Red Flash, Central Connecticut forward Darin Smith Jr. amassed 34 points (10 of 14 shooting from the field: 4 of 4 shooting from three-point range), 9 rebounds and 2 assists illustrating his ability to lead the Blue Devils frontcourt.  

The Central Connecticut Blue Devils are averaging 70.7 points on 45.1 percent shooting from the field and 36.7 percent shooting from three‑point range (45th in nation) per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Blue Devils are allowing opponents 72.7 points per contest.

Sophomore forward Darin Smith Jr. leads the Central Connecticut Blue Devils averaging 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Junior forward Max Frazier contributes 11.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per contest, while senior guard Jay Rodgers adds 11.6 points and a rather impressive 7.6 assists per game.

Long Island University Sharks Betting Preview

The Long Island University Sharks enter Saturday’s contest with a 13–8 win‑loss record, including a 7–1 mark in conference play and a 7–7 on the road. The Sharks have amassed wins over Central Connecticut, Wagner, Chicago State and Saint Francis, while dropping games to Georgia and the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

These two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? In the Long Island University Sharks 84-78 win over the Central Connecticut Blue Devils three weeks ago, Long Island guard Malachi Davis tallied 23 points (7 of 17 shooting from the field: 4 of 8 shooting from three-point range), 3 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal.

The Long Island University Sharks are averaging 74.9 points on 47 percent shooting from the field (36th in country) per game. Defensively, the Sharks are allowing 75 points per contest.     

Senior guard Malachi Davis leads the Long Island Sharks averaging 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Senior guard Jamal Fuller contributes 16.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per contest.

Why the Central Connecticut Blue Devils Will Win

• Frontcourt play. Sophomore forward Darin Smith Jr. leads the Blue Devils frontcourt averaging 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest.

• Defensive edge. The Central Connecticut Blue Devils are allowing opponents 72.7 points per game. Conversely, the Sharks are allowing opponents 75 points per contest.

• Enhanced motivation. The Blue Devils have lost three of the team’s last four games played in 2025. Clearly, Connecticut needs to start stacking wins if they want to play basketball in the postseason.

Why the Long Island University Sharks Will Win

• Confidence. The Long Island University Sharks defeated Central Connecticut earlier this season.

• Backcourt production. Senior guard Malachi Davis leads the Long Island Sharks averaging 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

• Ability to win on the road. The Sharks are 7-7 on the road in 2025.

Central Connecticut vs. Long Island University Prediction

This matchup features Central Connecticut’s home court advantage and improved defensive form against a Long Island team that has been one of the most efficient offensive units in the team’s conference. Long Island’s rebounding edge, backcourt production and ability to generate second‑chance scoring presents a difficult matchup for a Blue Devils team that has struggled to contain the Sharks tempo in 2025. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Long Island University Sharks in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Long Island University TBA