My Account
Pick details
| MATCHUP | St. Joseph's Hawks | South Florida Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 2-0 | 1-1 |
| Where | Alumni Hall (Navy), Annapolis, MD | |
| When | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | |
| Time | 03:00 PM EST | |
| TV | CBSSN | |
The Saint Joseph’s Hawks and the South Florida Bulls will meet Thursday afternoon at Alumni Hall in Annapolis, Maryland, as part of the annual Veterans Classic. Let’s take a look at this game from a betting perspective.
Saint Joseph’s Hawks vs. South Florida Bulls Prediction
In my view, this matchup favors the Saint Joseph’s Hawks to stay within the number (6.5). Why? Saint Joseph’s enters this neutral-site showdown with a perfect 2-0 record and one of the better defensive profiles in the country. The Hawks are allowing just 61.7 points per game, which ranks 46th nationally, while opening the season with victories over quality competition. Most recently, Saint Joseph’s outlasted Lafayette 67-57 in overtime three days ago.
Meanwhile, South Florida enters the game with a 1-1 record after defeating Charleston Southern before falling 82-80 to the DePaul Blue Demons. The Bulls have been productive offensively, averaging 89 points per game, but they have also allowed 76.5 points per contest, a number that raises concerns against a disciplined Saint Joseph’s team.
What stands out most is the defensive gap. Saint Joseph’s has been far more reliable on that end of the floor, while South Florida has relied heavily on offense through the season’s opening week. In a neutral court setting, I generally prefer the team I trust more defensively. I expect South Florida’s offense to have success at times, but Saint Joseph’s defense and overall balance should prove to be the difference in a competitive game. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Saint Joseph’s Hawks plus the 6.5 points in this game.
Saint Joseph’s Hawks Betting Preview
The Saint Joseph’s Hawks arrive at Thursday afternoon’s contest in good overall form. Let me be more specific. Saint Joseph’s has won the team’s first two games of the 2026 campaign, amassing wins over the Longwood Lancers and the Lafayette Leopards.
Through two games this season, the Saint Joseph’s Hawks are averaging 80.3 points per game while allowing only 61.7 points per contest which ranks 46th in the nation. What did we learn from the data just presented? Saint Joseph’s has displayed strong balance on both ends of the floor and has consistently made life difficult for opposing offenses.
Junior guard Khaafiq Myers has been the focal point of the Hawks offense, averaging 20.5 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists on 46.7 percent shooting from the field.
South Florida Bulls Betting Preview
The South Florida Bulls enter Thursday’s matchup with a 1-1 overall record, including a 1-0 home record and an 0-1 road record. The Bulls opened the season with a victory over Charleston Southern before losing to the DePaul Blue Demons last week. Looking ahead, the Bulls have upcoming games with Coppin State, Tennessee State and George Mason.
How have the Bulls performed from a team data perspective in 2026? Through two games played this season, the South Florida Bulls are averaging 89 points per game (61st in nation), while allowing opponents 76.5 points per contest. South Florida has been explosive offensively, but defensive consistency certainly remains a concern entering this matchup.
Senior guard Sonny Wilson has been a key contributor for South Florida this season averaging 17.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals on 51.9 percent shooting from the field per game.
Why the St. Joseph’s Hawks Will Win
• Undefeated start. Saint Joseph’s enters the contest with a 2-0 record.
• Defensive edge. The Hawks are allowing only 61.7 points per game which ranks 46th in the nation.
• Momentum. Saint Joseph’s is coming off a 67-57 overtime win over Lafayette.
• Balanced profile. The Hawks have been effective on both ends of the court.
Why the South Florida Bulls Will Win
• Offensive production. The Bulls are averaging 89 points per game which ranks 61st in the country. South Florida has shown the ability to play at a high tempo.
• Quality guard play. Senior guard Sonny Wilson is averaging 17.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals on 51.9 percent shooting from the field per game.
Hans Geevers's Pick: Saint Joseph's +6.5
