| MATCHUP | Mercyhurst Lakers | Central Connecticut Blue Devils |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 14-15 | 16-11 |
| Spread | +3.5 -112 | -3.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | +130 | -155 |
| Total | Over 137.5 (-110) | Under 137.5 (-110) |
| Where | Detrick Gymnasium, New Britain, CT | |
| When | Thursday, February 26, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | NEC Front Row | |
Central Connecticut Blue Devils Betting Preview
The Central Connecticut Blue Devils enter Thursday’s contest with a 16–11 overall win‑loss record, including a 10–6 mark in conference play and an 8–3 record at home. The Blue Devils have compiled wins over Stonehill, New Haven, St. Francis and Sacred Heart, while dropping recent games to Seton Hall, Fairfield and the Long Island Sharks.Earlier this season, 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 play at a high level.
The Central Connecticut Blue Devils are averaging 70.7 points on 45.2 percent shooting from the field and 35.8 percent shooting from three‑point range (36th in country) per game. Defensively, the Blue Devils are allowing opponents 72.1 points per contest.
It should be noted that these two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? Last month, the Mercyhurst Lakers defeated the Central Connecticut Blue Devils 79-61.
Sophomore forward Darin Smith Jr. leads the Central Connecticut Blue Devils averaging 20.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Junior forward Max Frazier contributes 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per contest, while senior guard Jay Rodgers averages 11.5 points and a robust 7.3 assists per game.
Mercyhurst Lakers Betting Preview
The Mercyhurst Lakers enter Thursday evening’s contest with a 14–15 win‑loss record, including a 9–7 mark in conference play and an abysmal 4–12 record on the road. The Lakers have compiled wins over St. Francis, New Haven, Long Island and Chicago State, while dropping recent games to Wagner and the Le Moyne.In the Mercyhurst Lakers 78–74 loss to Chicago State earlier this season, Mercyhurst forward Qadir Martin amassed 20 points (10 of 11 shooting from the field) illustrating his ability to lead the Lakers offense.
The Mercyhurst Lakers average 68 points on 44.7 percent shooting from the field and 31.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Lakers are allowing opponents 68.7 points per contest which ranks 42nd in the nation.
Senior forward Bernie Blunt III leads the Mercyhurst Lakers averaging 16.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1 steal per game. Sophomore forward Qadir Martin provides the Lakers a strong presence in the paint averaging 10.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1 steal and 2.5 blocks per contest.
Why the Central Connecticut Blue Devils Will Win
• Frontcourt play. Sophomore forward Darin Smith Jr. leads the Blue Devils frontcourt averaging 20.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest.• Home court edge. The Blue Devils have amassed an 8-3 record on the road this season.
• Momentum. The Central Connecticut Blue Devils have won five of the team’s last six games played in 2025.
Why the Mercyhurst Lakers Will Win
• Frontcourt play. Sophomore forward Qadir Martin averages 10.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1 steal and 2.5 blocks per contest.• Defensive edge. The Lakers Mercyhurst Lakers are allowing opponents 68.7 points per contest which ranks 42nd in the nation. Conversely, the Blue Devils are allowing 72.1 points per contest.
• Conference play. The Lakers have compiled a respectable 9-7 record in conference play this season.