Merrimack vs Niagara Prediction 3/1/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Merrimack Warriors and Niagara Purple Eagles meet Sunday in college basketball action at the Gallagher Center. Here’s a Merrimack vs. Niagara prediction. This article will include a Merrimack vs. Niagara pick.

Merrimack Warriors Betting Preview

The Merrimack Warriors beat Iona and lost to Canisius. Merrimack has won 8 of its last 9 games.

The Merrimack Warriors are averaging 71.6 points on 41.9 percent shooting and allowing 69.8 points on 41.9 percent shooting. Kevair Kennedy is averaging 18.5 points and 4.6 rebounds, while Ernest Shelton is averaging 15.9 points and 3 rebounds. Tye Dorset is the third double-digit scorer, and Andres Marrero is grabbing 1.8 rebounds. The Merrimack Warriors are shooting 32.3 percent from beyond the arc and 78.7 percent from the free throw line. The Merrimack Warriors are allowing 30.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 26.1 rebounds per game.

Niagara Purple Eagles Betting Preview

The Niagara Purple Eagles lost to Rider and beat Quinnipiac. Niagara has lost 10 of its last 14 games.

The Niagara Purple Eagles are averaging 66.1 points on 44 percent shooting and allowing 73.7 points on 45.7 percent shooting. Justin Page is averaging 12.1 points and 2.5 assists, while Vice Zanki is averaging 8.1 points and 2.3 rebounds. Trenton Walters is dishing out 2.8 assists and Justin Hawkins is grabbing 3.2 rebounds. The Niagara Purple Eagles are shooting 33.2 percent from beyond the arc and 71.7 percent from the free throw line. The Niagara Purple Eagles are allowing 34.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 27.1 rebounds per game.

Why the Niagara Purple Eagles will win

• The home team has won six of Niagara’s last seven games.

Why the Merrimack Warriors will win

• Merrimack has won 12 of its last 13 day games against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
• Niagara has lost 14 of its last 16 home day games against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
• Niagara has lost the first half in eight of its last nine Sunday home games against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Total Points: Facts

• Twenty-six of Niagara’s last 27 Sunday home games against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference have produced a total of 127+ points.
• Four of Merrimack’s last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 129+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Niagara ranks 363rd among Division 1 teams for pace this season (62.9).
• Niagara ranks 361st among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (29.2).
• Merrimack ranks 364th among Division 1 teams for pace this season (62.7).
• Merrimack ranks 363rd among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (28.7).

Merrimack vs Niagara Prediction

Niagara doesn’t win or cover numbers enough to deserve a fair look and it’s also a team that won’t qualify for the MAAC Tournament. However, Merrimack already locked up the top seed in the tournament, so you can argue this group has nothing to play for either. This could be a win and get out situation for Merrimack, which has seen 8 of its 10 losses this season come on the road. It’s senior night for three seniors on Niagara. I’ll take a shot with the home dog given the likely lack of motivation from Merrimack.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Niagara +8.5