Wagner vs Central Connecticut Prediction 2/7/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Wagner Seahawks and the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils will meet on Saturday afternoon in an NEC matchup at William H. Detrick Gymnasium in New Britain, Connecticut.

Central Connecticut Blue Devils Betting Preview

The Central Connecticut Blue Devils enter Saturday’s contest with a 12–10 overall win‑loss record, including a 6–5 mark in conference play and a 6–3 record at home. The Blue Devils have compiled wins over Stonehill, New Haven, St. Francis and Sacred Heart, while dropping recent games to Seton Hall, Fairfield and the Long Island Sharks. In the Central Connecticut Blue Devils 98–90 victory over the St. Francis Red Flash last month, Central Connecticut forward Darin Smith Jr. amassed 34 points (10 of 14 shooting from the field: 4 of 4 shooting from three-point range), 9 rebounds and 2 assists illustrating his ability to lead the Blue Devils frontcourt.  

It should be noted that these two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? Nine days ago, the Central Connecticut Blue Devils defeated the Wagner Seahawks 62-55.

The Central Connecticut Blue Devils are averaging 70.5 points on 44.9 percent shooting from the field and 35.8 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Blue Devils are allowing opponents 72.8 points per contest.

Sophomore forward Darin Smith Jr. leads the Central Connecticut Blue Devils averaging 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1 assist per game. Junior forward Max Frazier contributes 12 points, 7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per contest, while senior guard Jay Rodgers averages 11.3 points and a robust 7 assists per game.

Wagner Seahawks Betting Preview

The Wagner Seahawks enter Saturday’s contest with a 8–13 win‑loss record, including a 3–7 mark in conference play and an abysmal 2–9 record on the road. The Seahawks have amassed recent wins over Fairleigh Dickinson, Saint Peter’s, Le Moyne and the Chicago State Cougars, while losing games to Sacred Heart, Stonehill, and New Haven.

The Wagner Seahawks are averaging 70.7 points on 44.3 percent shooting from the field and 38.1 percent shooting from three‑point range (19th in nation) per game. Defensively, the Seahawks are allowing opponents 75.7 points per contest.

Junior guard Nick Jones leads the Wagner Seahawks averaging 15.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals on 43.3 percent shooting from the field and 82.6 percent shooting from the free‑throw line per game. Forward Binael Basil provides the Seahawks a strong interior presence averaging 8.6 points and 5 rebounds per game. Guard Eduardo Placer adds 8.7 points per contest.

Why the Central Connecticut Blue Devils Will Win

• Frontcourt play. Sophomore forward Darin Smith Jr. leads the Blue Devils frontcourt averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest.

• Home court edge. Central Connecticut is 6–3 at home this season.

• Momentum. The Central Connecticut Blue Devils arrive at tomorrow afternoon’s game on the heels of a four-game winning streak.

• Confidence. Central Connecticut defeated the Wagner Seahawks on the road last month.

• Defensive edge. The Blue Devils are allowing opponents 72.8 points per contest. Conversely, the Seahawks are allowing 75.7 points per game.

Why the Wagner Seahawks Will Win

• Backcourt play. Junior guard Nick Jones leads the Wagner Seahawks averaging 15.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals on 43.3 percent shooting from the field per game.

• Interior presence. Forward Binael Basil averages 8.6 points and 5 rebounds per game.

Central Connecticut vs. Wagner Prediction

This matchup features Wagner’s defensive intensity and backcourt scoring against a Central Connecticut team that has been the more efficient offense of the two teams in this matchup. Additionally, the Central Connecticut Blue Devils have played significantly better at home relative to road games in 2025.  Wagner’s scoring inconsistency and recent struggles on the road are a legitimate concern in this spot. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils to win this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Central Connecticut TBA