Mercyhurst vs Fairleigh Dickinson Prediction 2/7/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Mercyhurst Lakers and the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights will meet on Saturday afternoon in an NEC matchup at the Bogota Savings Bank Center in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Mercyhurst Lakers Betting Preview

The Mercyhurst Lakers enter Saturday’s contest with a 12–12 win‑loss record, including a 7–4 mark in conference play and a dreadful 3–10 record on the road. The Lakers have earned wins over St. Francis, New Haven, Le Moyne and Chicago State, while dropping recent games to Chicago State, Long Island and the Central Connecticut Blue Devils. More recently, in the Mercyhurst Lakers 78–74 loss to Chicago State, Mercyhurst forward Qadir Martin delivered a standout performance scoring 20 points (10 of 11 shooting from the field) showcasing his ability to lead the Lakers frontcourt.

The Mercyhurst Lakers average 66.4 points on 44.2 percent shooting from the field and 32.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Lakers are allowing opponents 68 points per contest which ranks 35th 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.  

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Betting Preview

The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights enter Saturday’s contest with an 8–16 record, including a 5–6 mark in conference play and a respectable 6–4 record at home. 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 earlier this season, Fairleigh Dickinson guard Joey Niesman accumulated 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal illustrating his ability to play at a high level.

The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights are averaging 66.3 points on 39.8 percent shooting from the field and 30.5 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Knights are allowing opponents 74.8 points per contest.

These two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? Last month, the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights defeated the Mercyhurst Lakers 74-67.

Senior guard Joey Niesman leads the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Senior guard Eric Parnall provides additional backcourt depth averaging 12.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest, while senior forward Taeshaud Jackson adds 10.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 steal per contest.

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 points per contest which ranks 35th in the nation. Conversely, the Knights are allowing 74.8 points per contest.

• Conference play. The Lakers have compiled a 7-4 record in conference play (NEC) this season.

Why the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights will win

• Quality guard play. Senior guard Joey Niesman leads the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights backcourt averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

• Home court edge. The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights are 6-4 at home this season.

Mercyhurst Lakers vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Prediction

This matchup features Mercyhurst’s perimeter shooting and CJ Ray’s elite scoring upside against a Fairleigh Dickinson team that has been significantly stronger at home and has been the better team on defense of the two teams in this matchup. Mercyhurst’s defensive issues and turnover tendencies make them difficult to trust on the road, especially against a Fairleigh Dickinson team that thrives when playing at home. With that said, I am backing the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights to win this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Fairleigh Dickinson TBA