Mercyhurst vs Long Island University Prediction 1/8/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Mercyhurst Lakers and the LIU Sharks meet Thursday in college basketball action from the Steinberg Wellness Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Mercyhurst Lakers vs. LIU Sharks prediction.

Mercyhurst Lakers Recap

The Mercyhurst Lakers come into this game looking to add on to their 74-60 win over Le Moyne last time out to sit at 6-9 this season. After this game, Mercyhurst will head on the road for a game against Wagner.

Lakers Alternate Wins & Losses In 4 Straight

Bernie Blunt III leads the Lakers in scoring with 16.5 PPG along with 2.4 RPG while Jake Lemelman has 12.5 PPG as the only other double-digit scorer for Mercyhurst up to this point in the year. Mykolas Ivanauskas has 9.6 PPG with 5.5 RPG, while Qadir Martin has 8.5 PPG with a team-high 6.5 RPG of his own and Deshaun Jackson Jr. has 5.9 PPG with 3 APG to lead the Lakers in assists so far this season. As a team, Mercyhurst is averaging 67.1 PPG on 44.9% shooting from the field, 30.9% from three and 65.6% from the foul line this season.

LIU Sharks Recap

The LIU Sharks come into this game looking to add on to their 74-55 win over Chicago State last time out to sit at 8-7 this season. After this game, LIU will take on Saint Francis at home.

Sharks Win Back-To-Back Games

Jamal Fuller leads the Sharks in scoring and rebounding with 16.2 PPG and 5.8 RPG while 2.2 APG while Malachi Davis has 15.9 PPG with 3.1 RPG and a team-high 3.7 APG to lead the Sharks in assists. Greg Gordon has 14.5 PPG with 5 RPG and 2.7 APG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for LIU up to this point in the year. Jomo Goings also has 9.1 PPG with 4.7 RPG and 2.4 APG as well for the Sharks up to this point in the year. As a team, LIU is averaging 76.9 PPG on 48.1% shooting from the field, 37.4% from three and 64.3% from the foul line this season.

Mercyhurst Lakers @ LIU Sharks Betting Trends: January 8, 2026

Why the LIU Sharks will win

• Mercyhurst has lost each of its last seven road games.
• The home team has won 12 of Mercyhurst’s last 13 games.
• The home team has won the first half in 12 of Mercyhurst’s last 13 games.

Why the Mercyhurst Lakers will win

• Mercyhurst has won three of its last four games against Conference opponents.
• LIU has lost three of its last four night games.
• Mercyhurst has won the first half in six of its last seven night games against Conference opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• LIU ranks T29th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (5.0).
• LIU ranks 38th among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage this season (37.4%).
• Mercyhurst ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (51.3).
• Mercyhurst ranks 360th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (9.3).

Mercyhurst Lakers vs. LIU Sharks Prediction

I’m on Mercyhurst and the points here. After a win over Central Connecticut and a blowout of Chicago State, I think we’re hitting peak market for LIU right now and I think this is just a bit too much. Mercyhurst isn’t terrible, and the Lakers had both meetings with LIU go to OT last year. All in all, I think we have some battles brewing here and I’ll take the Lakers and the points.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Mercyhurst +8.5