The Hofstra Pride (24-8, 15-4 CAA) face off against the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (22-10, 12-7 CAA) in the Colonial Conference Tourney at Entertainment & Sports Arena. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Monday, March 9, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens vs. Hofstra Pride Free Prediction
The Fightin’ Blue Hens come in on a high note after topping the Charleston Cougars in their last contest, 79-67. The Fightin’ Blue Hens made 17 of their 21 free throws (81.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 10.1 (better than their season average of 17.0). Delaware rallied around Justyn Mutts, who finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
In the Pride’s last matchup, they had no trouble getting past the Drexel Dragons, 61-43. The Pride held the Dragons to an effective field goal percentage of 0.339 (below their season average of 0.511) and had a turnover percentage of 13.2 (better than their season average of 14.3). Eli Pemberton was the top scorer from either team with 19 points on 9-for-16 shooting from the field.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Justyn Mutts (13 points,8.2 rebounds,3.2 assists,1.2 steals) has been stellar for the Fightin’ Blue Hens while Eli Pemberton (24 points,6.0 rebounds) has made solid contributions to the Pride.
The high-powered offense of Hofstra will battle against the bottom-tier defense of Delaware. The Pride currently rank 18th in offensive efficiency, while the Fightin’ Blue Hens are 264th in defensive efficiency. The Pride should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens vs. Hofstra Pride Odds Pick
Free Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Hofstra, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Delaware averages 13.0 assists per game, which ranks 140th in the nation. Hofstra ranks 219th in assists allowed per game (14.4).
The Pride average 7.0 steals per game, which ranks 82nd in the nation. The Fightin’ Blue Hens rank 147th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Hofstra averages 22.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 138th in the nation. Delaware ranks 195th in three pointers allowed per game (22.6).
The Pride rank 184th in rebounds per game (34.5) while the Fightin’ Blue Hens rank 227th (33.6).
Hofstra allows the 19th-fewest blocks per game (2.4) while Delaware ranks 30th (2.5).
The Fightin’ Blue Hens’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, up from 4.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pride have scored an average of 76.4 points per game (0.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.2 points per game (1.7 below their season average).