Queens (NC) Royals vs Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Pick – 3/23/2025

The Queens (NC) Royals are set to face the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in the first round of the 2025 College Basketball Invitational (CBI) on Sunday, March 23, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will take place at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. Both teams are eager to extend their postseason journey, making this a compelling contest for basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike.

Queens (NC) Royals vs. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Game Preview

The Royals concluded their season with a 19-14 record, including a 12-8 mark in the ASUN Conference. Their offensive efforts are led by forward Leo Colimerio, who averages 14.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Colimerio's standout performance came against Florida Gulf Coast, where he scored 35 points on 12-of-15 shooting, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc.

On the other side, the Lumberjacks finished with an 18-15 record and a 9-11 standing in the Big Sky Conference. Guard Trent McLaughlin spearheads their offense, averaging 22.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. In their recent victory over Idaho State, McLaughlin contributed 21 points, supported by Carson Towt and Jayden Jackson, who also scored in double figures.

Statistically, both teams exhibit similar offensive outputs. Queens averages 76.6 points per game, while Northern Arizona is close behind with 75.8 points. Defensively, the Royals allow 74.1 points per game, whereas the Lumberjacks concede 71.1 points.

Betting Insights

As of the latest available data, Queens is favored by 2.5 points, with a total over/under set at 149.5 points. The moneyline odds stand at -150 for Queens and +125 for Northern Arizona.

Recent betting trends indicate that Queens has covered the spread in four of their last five games, showcasing their ability to perform against expectations. Conversely, Northern Arizona has struggled against the spread, going 1-4 in their last five games as an underdog.

Queens (NC) Royals vs. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Prediction

Considering the statistical similarities and recent performances, this matchup is poised to be closely contested. Queens' slight edge in offensive production and their recent success against the spread suggest they have a marginal advantage. However, Northern Arizona's resilience, highlighted by McLaughlin's scoring prowess, cannot be overlooked.

Given the tight nature of this contest, bettors might find value in focusing on the total points. With both teams averaging over 75 points per game and the over/under set at 149.5, the over appears to be a promising option. Additionally, while Queens is favored, the narrow spread indicates that Northern Arizona covering could be a viable consideration.

In conclusion, while Queens holds a slight advantage, the game's outcome remains uncertain. Bettors should weigh the recent trends and statistical data carefully when making their decisions.

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