Manhattan vs Fairfield Prediction 3/5/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Manhattan vs Fairfield prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 5th at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Manhattan Jaspers Betting Preview

The Manhattan Jaspers are 12-19 (8-12) this season after they lost to Iona by a score of 69-65 in their last game. Manhattan trailed 35-26 at halftime, but they did score 39 points in the second half in the loss. The Jaspers shot 33% from the field, 27% on three pointers, and 84% on free throws in the game. Terrance Jones led Manhattan with 23 points and four rebounds, while Anthony Isaac added 12 points and three rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Manhattan lost to St. Peter’s by a score of 75-65 and Marist by a score of 84-70. The Jaspers have scored 74.5 points per game with 33.1 rebounds and 13.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 79.2 points against per game this season. Jaden Winston is averaging 15.3 points and 3.9 assists per game, while Terrance Jones is averaging 12.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Jaspers. Manhattan is shooting 42.6% from the field, 79.4% on free throws, and 32.7% on three pointers this season. 

Fairfield Stags Betting Preview

The Fairfield Stags are 19-12 (11-9) this year after they lost to Mount St. Mary’s by a score of 69-47 in their last game. Fairfield trailed 39-25 at halftime and they only scored 22 points in the second half in the loss. The Stags shot 24% from the field, 25% on three pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Braden Sparks led Fairfield with 15 points and two rebounds, while Tony Williams added eight points and one assist in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Fairfield defeated Siena by a score of 72-58 and Quinnipiac by a score of 85-79. The Stags have scored 74.9 points per game with 38.5 rebounds and 12.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 72.3 points against per game this season. Braden Sparks is averaging 17.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, while Brandon Benjamin is averaging 13.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game for the Stags. Fairfield is shooting 43.5% from the field, 71.2% on free throws, and 33.6% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Fairfield Stags will win

• Fairfield has won each of its last nine night games against Conference opponents.
• Manhattan has lost each of its last six games against Conference opponents at Boardwalk Hall.
• Manhattan has lost the first half in each of its last three games against Conference opponents.

Why the Manhattan Jaspers will win

• Fairfield has lost each of its last three night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Fairfield’s last 16 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 140 or fewer points.
• Each of Manhattan’s last 12 games against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference at neutral venues have produced a total of 146 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Fairfield ranks 45th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (38.5).
• Fairfield ranks 47th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (17.2).
• Manhattan ranks 27th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (16.1).
• Manhattan ranks T34th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (11.7).

Manhattan vs Fairfield Prediction 

Fairfield comes into this matchup after winning three of their last four games, but they scored just 47 points in their last game. The Stags are shooting 43% from the field and they have scored 74+ points in three of their last five games. Manhattan has dropped three in a row and they are just 8-12 in conference play. The Jaspers are shooting 43% from the field and they have scored fewer than 70 points in three of their last four games. Fairfield has been the better defensive team this year and I think that will be the difference here.

David Racey's Pick: Fairfield -4.5