New Haven vs Fairleigh Dickinson Prediction 2/21/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

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

New Haven Chargers Betting Preview

The New Haven Chargers enter Saturday night’s contest with a 12–15 win‑loss record, including a 7–7 mark in conference play and a dreadful 4–10 record on the road. The Chargers have compiled wins over Wagner, Chicago State and the Stonehill Skyhawks, while losing games to Stonehill, Long Island, and the Boston College Eagles.

It is noteworthy that these two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? Last month, the New Haven Chargers defeated the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 65-55.

The New Haven Chargers average 60.1 points on 42.2 percent shooting from the field and 29.1 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Chargers are allowing opponents 67.3 points per contest which ranks 25th in the country.

Junior guard Jabri Fitzpatrick leads the New Haven Chargers averaging 13.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Forward Stefano Faloppa averages 6.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest, while sophomore guard Najimi George provides additional backcourt scoring depth averaging 11.2 points per game.

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Betting Preview

The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights enter Saturday’s contest with a 11–17 record, including an 8–7 mark in conference play and an 8–5 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.

Earlier this season, in the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 68-61 win over Wagner, Fairleigh Dickinson guard Joey Niesman accumulated 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal showcasing his ability to lead the Knights backcourt.

The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights are averaging 65.2 points on 40.1 percent shooting from the field and 30.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Defensively, the Knights are allowing opponents 72.1 points per contest.

Senior guard Joey Niesman leads the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights averaging 12.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Senior guard Eric Parnall provides additional backcourt stability averaging 10.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per contest, while senior forward Taeshaud Jackson adds 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 steal per contest.

Why the New Haven Chargers will win

• Backcourt play. Junior guard Jabri Fitzpatrick leads the New Haven Chargers averaging 13.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game.

• Defensive edge. The New Haven Chargers are allowing opponents just 67.3 points per game which ranks 25th in the nation. Conversely, the Knights are allowing opponents 72.1 points per contest.

• Confidence. The New Haven Chargers defeated the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 65–55 earlier this season.

Why the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights will win

• Frontcourt play. Senior forward Taeshaud Jackson adds 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 steal per contest.

• Home court edge. The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights are 8-5 at home this season.

• Offensive advantage. The Knights are averaging 65.2 points per game. Conversely, the Chargers average just 60.1 points per contest.

New Haven Chargers vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Prediction

This matchup features New Haven’s quality defense and balanced scoring against a Fairleigh Dickinson team that has been significantly better at home in 2025. New Haven’s earlier win in this series last month should give the Chargers confidence entering tomorrow’s matchup. With that said, Fairleigh Dickinson’s home court edge and recent improved play make that a formidable task for a New Haven Chargers team that has played poorly on the road (4-10) this season. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights to cover the 1.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Fairleigh Dickinson -1.5