| MATCHUP | Central Connecticut Blue Devils | Fairleigh Dickinson Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 15-10 | 10-17 |
| Where | Bogota Savings Bank Center, Hackensack, NJ | |
| When | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | |
| Time | 02:00 PM EST | |
| TV | NEC Front Row | |
The Central Connecticut State Blue Devils and the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights will meet on Saturday afternoon in an NEC matchup at the Bogota Savings Bank Center in Hackensack, New Jersey
Central Connecticut Blue Devils Betting Preview
The Central Connecticut Blue Devils enter Saturday’s contest with a 14–10 overall win‑loss record, including an 8–5 mark in conference play and a 7–7 record on the road. 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. Earlier this season, in the Central Connecticut Blue Devils 98–90 victory over the St. Francis Red Flash, 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 play at a high level.
The Central Connecticut Blue Devils are averaging 71.6 points on 45.8 percent shooting from the field and 37.1 percent shooting from three‑point range (36th in country) per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Blue Devils are allowing opponents 72.7 points per contest.
Sophomore forward Darin Smith Jr. leads the Central Connecticut Blue Devils averaging 20.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Junior forward Max Frazier contributes 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per contest, while senior guard Jay Rodgers averages 11.5 points and a robust 7.3 assists per game.
Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Betting Preview
The New Haven Chargers enter Saturday afternoon’s contest with a 10–16 record, including a 7–6 mark in conference play and an 8–4 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. In the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 68-61 win over Wagner earlier this season, 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 65.8 points on 40.3 percent shooting from the field and 30.1 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Knights are allowing opponents 73.1 points per contest.
These two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? Last month, the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights defeated the Central Connecticut Blue Devils 76-66.
Senior guard Joey Niesman leads the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights averaging 12 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Senior guard Eric Parnall provides additional backcourt depth averaging 12.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest, while senior forward Taeshaud Jackson adds 10.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 steal per contest.
Why the Central Connecticut Blue Devils Will Win
• Frontcourt play. Sophomore forward Darin Smith Jr. leads the Blue Devils frontcourt averaging 20.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest.
• Ability to win on the road. The Blue Devils have compiled a 7-7 record on the road this season.
• Momentum. The Central Connecticut Blue Devils arrive at tomorrow afternoon’s game on the heels of a three-game winning streak.
Why the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Will Win
• Quality guard play. Senior guard Joey Niesman leads the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights backcourt averaging 12 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
• Home court edge. The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights are 8-4 at home this season.
• Confidence. The Knights defeated the Blue Devils 76-66 last month.
Central Connecticut vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Prediction
This matchup features the Central Connecticut Blue Devils quality offense and elite guard play against a Fairleigh Dickinson Knights team that has been strong at home in 2025. In my view, Fairleigh Dickinson’s home court advantage and balanced scoring provide the Knights a clear path to a victory tomorrow afternoon. With that said, I am backing the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights to win this game.