Rider vs Sacred Heart Prediction 2/15/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Rider Broncs and the Sacred Heart Pioneers will meet on Sunday afternoon in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference matchup at the Pitt Center in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Sacred Heart Pioneers Betting Preview

The Sacred Heart Pioneers enter Sunday’s game with a 11–16 overall win-loss record, including a 7–9 mark in conference play and a 6-5 record at home. The Pioneers have compiled wins over Dartmouth, Mount St. Mary’s and Holy Cross, while losing games to Marist, Penn State, Iona and the Central Connecticut Blue Devils.

These two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? Last month, the Sacred Heart Pioneers defeated the Rider Broncs rather easily 85-65.

The Sacred Heart Pioneers are averaging 74.8 points on 43.2 percent shooting from the field and 36.3 percent shooting from three-point range (56th in nation) per game. Defensively, the Pioneers are allowing opponents 78.7 points per contest.

Senior forward Anquan Hill leads the Sacred Heart Pioneers averaging 17.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1 assist and 1.1 blocks per game. Senior guard Dashon Gittens contributes 15.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. Junior forward Yann Farell averages 10.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.

Rider Broncs Betting Preview

The Rider Broncs enter Sunday afternoon’s contest with a 3–21 record, including a 2–13 mark in conference play and a 3–8 record at home. Rider has amassed wins over Iona and Eastern University, while losing games to Saint Peter’s, Fairfield, Siena, Delaware and Quinnipiac. More recently, in the Rider Broncs 72–68 win over Iona earlier this month, Rider guard Flash Burton compiled 21 points (6 of 11 shooting from the field), 9 rebounds, 2 rebounds and 4 assists showcasing his ability to lead the Rider frontcourt.

The Rider Broncs average 62 points on 38.9 percent shooting from the field and 27.3 percent shooting from behind the arc per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Broncs are allowing opponents 77.1 points per contest.

Sophomore guard Flash Burton leads the Rider Broncs with 12.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1 steal per game. Senior guard Zion Cruz adds 12.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest, while junior guard Caleb Smith adds further backcourt stability averaging 7.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

Why the Sacred Heart Pioneers will win

• Balanced scoring. Anquan Hill and Dashon Gittens lead a versatile offensive attack.

• Offensive edge. The Sacred Heart Pioneers are averaging 74.8 points per game. Conversely, the Rider Broncs are averaging 62 points per contest.

• Confidence. Last month, the Sacred Heart Pioneers defeated the Rider Broncs 85-65.

Why the Rider Broncs will win

• Home court edge. The Rider Broncs are 0-13 on the road and 3-8 at home this season.

• Quality guard play. Sophomore guard Flash Burton leads the Rider Broncs backcourt averaging 12.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1 steal per game.

• Defensive edge. Through 24 games played this season, the Rider Broncs are allowing opponents 77.1 points per game. The Pioneers are allowing opponents 78.7 points per contest.

Sacred Heart Pioneers vs. Rider Broncs Prediction

This matchup features the Rider Broncs quality interior play and rebounding strength against a Sacred Heart team that has been far more consistent at home relative to on the road and leans on perimeter scoring. Sacred Heart’s home court advantage, offensive efficiency, previous win against the Pioneers and has a distinct matchup advantage in this matchup. In my view, Sacred Heart is the clear side to be on in this contest. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Sacred Heart Pioneers to win this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Sacred Heart TBA