NJIT vs UMBC Prediction 1/22/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a NJIT vs UMBC prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 22nd at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

NJIT Highlanders Betting Preview

The NJIT Highlanders are 9-11 (4-1) this season after they defeated Bryant by a score of 79-55 in their last game. NJIT led 29-23 at halftime and they scored 50 points in the second half in the lopsided win. The Highlanders shot 46% from the field, 41% on three pointers, and 91% on free throws in the game. Sebastian Robinson led NJIT with 22 points and seven rebounds, while David Bolden added 17 points and two rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, NJIT defeated UMass Lowell by a score of 73-64, but lost to Maine by a score of 74-70 before that. The Highlanders have scored 67.0 points per game with 34.4 rebounds and 10.9 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.3 points against per game this season. Sebastian Robinson is averaging 12.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, while David Bolden is averaging 12.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game for the Highlanders. NJIT is shooting 38.7% from the field, 73.3% on free throws, and 31.1% on three pointers this season. 

UMBC Retrievers Betting Preview

The UMBC Retrievers are 10-7 (3-1) this year after they defeated Binghamton by a score of 78-60 in their last game. UMBC led 38-26 at halftime and they scored 40 points in the second half to secure the win. The Retrievers shot 54% from the field, 44% on three pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Jah’Likai King led UMBC with 21 points and four rebounds, while Caden Diggs added 14 points and three rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, UMBC lost to Bryant by a score of 79-74, but did beat New Hampshire by a score of 75-74 before that. The Retrievers have scored 74.9 points per game with 34.8 rebounds and 13.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 71.0 points against per game this season. Jah’Likai King is averaging 15.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, while DJ Armstrong Jr is averaging 13.2 points and 2.6 assists per game for the Retrievers. UMBC is shooting 47.1% from the field, 71.1% on free throws, and 36.3% on three pointers this year. 

Why the UMBC Retrievers will win

• NJIT has lost each of its last 10 road games following a home win.
• UMBC has won four of its last five games.
• NJIT has lost the first half in eight of its last 10 road games.

Why the NJIT Highlanders will win

• NJIT has won five of its last six games against Conference opponents.
• UMBC has lost six of its last eight home night games against Conference opponents.
• The road team has won the first half in three of NJIT’s last four games.

NJIT vs UMBC Prediction 

Both teams come into this matchup with just one loss in conference play, so this is a huge game for each side. NJIT is shooting 39% from the field, but they have allowed just 64 and 55 points in their last two games. UMBC is shooting 47% from the field and they have allowed 62 points or fewer in three of their last five. Both defenses have been strong in recent games, but UMBC is the much better side and I expect them to cover at home. Take the Retrievers here.

David Racey's Pick: UMBC ATS