Pick details
| MATCHUP | Mercyhurst Lakers | Marquette Golden Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Where | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI | |
| When | Monday, November 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Mercyhurst Lakers and the Marquette Golden Eagles will meet Monday night in a season opening college basketball matchup at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Let’s take a look at this game from a betting perspective.
Mercyhurst Lakers vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Prediction
In my view, this matchup favors the Mercyhurst Lakers staying within the number (31.5). Why? While Marquette endured a disappointing 12-20 campaign last season, the Golden Eagles faced one of the toughest schedules in the nation and competed in one of the best conferences (Big East) in the country. Marquette also returns talented guard Nigel James, who averaged 16.4 points and 4.9 assists per game last season.
Meanwhile, Mercyhurst posted a rather pedestrian 17-17 record and a 10-8 mark in NEC play in 2025, but the Lakers were just 5-14 away from home and now face a strong Marquette team on the road. With that said, I think the Lakers can be competitive enough to stay within the number in this one. I am backing the Mercyhurst Lakers plus the 31.5 points in this game.
Mercyhurst Lakers Betting Preview
The Mercyhurst Lakers enter Monday night’s season opener after posting a 17-17 overall record (12-3 home record, 5-14 road record and 10-8 Northeast Conference record) last season. The Lakers compiled wins over the Stonehill Skyhawks, the New Haven Chargers and the Wagner Seahawks, while losing games to Central Connecticut, Le Moyne and Fairleigh Dicknson. Mercyhurst showed the ability to compete consistently within conference play but found life considerably more difficult away from home.
The Mercyhurst Lakers averaged 68.3 points per game which ranked a dreadful 310th in the nation. Defensively, the Lakers allowed 68.7 points per contest (42nd in country). The Lakers relied on disciplined half court execution and balanced scoring to win games in 2025.
Guard Jake Lemelman returns to the Lakers after being a key contributor during Mercyhurst’s 2025 campaign. Lemelman averaged 10.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while appearing in all 34 games for the Lakers.
Check out tonight’s game between Chicago State and Texas.
Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Preview
The Marquette Golden Eagles enter Monday night’s matchup after posting a 12-20 overall record (10-7 home record, 2-10 road record and 7-13 Big East Conference record) in the 2025 season. Marquette recorded notable victories over Albany, Southern, Little Rock, Creighton and UConn. The Golden Eagles struggled against upper tier competition but closed the 2025 regular season by winning three of the team’s final four games.
The Marquette Golden Eagles averaged 75.2 points per game (160th in nation) while allowing 75.8 points per contest last season. The Golden Eagles struggled with overall efficiency at times but remained competitive regardless of the team’s poor overall win-loss record.
Guard Nigel James emerged as Marquette’s top player last season, averaging 16.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. James returns as the centerpiece of the Golden Eagles offense in 2026.
Why the Mercyhurst Lakers Will Win
• Conference success. The Mercyhurst Lakers posted a 10-8 NEC record last season.
• Experienced leadership. Guard Jake Lemelman returns as one of the leaders of the program. Lemelman averaged 10.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while appearing in all 34 games for the Lakers in 2025.
• Quality defense. The Mercyhurst Lakers allowed 68.7 points per game in 2025 which ranked 42nd in the nation.
Why the Marquette Golden Eagles Will Win
• Offensive leader. Guard Nigel James emerged as Marquette’s top player last season, averaging 16.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.
• Home court advantage. The Golden Eagles played well at home last season, amassing a 10-7 home win-loss record at the Fiserv Forum.
• Momentum. The Marquette Golden Eagles finished the 2025 season strong, winning three of the team’s last four games.
Hans Geevers's Pick: Mercyhurst Lakers +31.5
