Sacred Heart Pioneers vs Merrimack College Warriors Pick – 3/12/2025

The Sacred Heart Pioneers and the Merrimack Warriors are set to face off in the MAAC tournament on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This game is crucial for both teams as they vie for an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Sacred Heart Pioneers vs. Merrimack Warriors Game Preview

The Merrimack Warriors enter the tournament as the No. 2 seed with a 17-14 overall record and a 14-6 mark in MAAC play. They have been particularly strong on defense, allowing just 64.5 points per game, which ranks them 17th nationally. Offensively, they average 66.0 points per game, led by standout guard Adam Clark, who contributes 20.2 points per game, placing him 14th in the nation.

The Sacred Heart Pioneers, seeded No. 7, hold a 15-17 overall record and a 10-10 conference record. They boast a more potent offense, averaging 76.3 points per game, ranking 111th nationally. However, their defense has been less effective, conceding 75.5 points per game, placing them 282nd. Forward Tanner Thomas leads the team with 14.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Betting Insights

• Point Spread: Merrimack is favored by 3.5 points.
• Over/Under: The total points line is set at 138.5.
• Moneyline: Merrimack -164, Sacred Heart +136.

These odds suggest that Merrimack is the slight favorite, with an implied probability of 62.1% to win the game.

Betting Trends

• Against the Spread (ATS):
  • Merrimack has a 14-17-0 ATS record this season.
  • Sacred Heart has covered the spread in 17 of 31 games.
  • As a 3.5-point underdog or more, Sacred Heart is 5-6 ATS.
  • Merrimack is 4-10 ATS when favored by 3.5 points or more.
• Head-to-Head:
  • In their most recent encounter on February 21, 2025, Sacred Heart edged out Merrimack 60-59.
  • Earlier in the season, on January 10, 2025, Merrimack secured a narrow 66-65 victory over Sacred Heart.

Sacred Heart Pioneers vs. Merrimack Warriors Prediction

Considering the season's performances and recent matchups, this game is expected to be closely contested. Merrimack's strong defense will aim to contain Sacred Heart's high-scoring offense. However, Sacred Heart's ability to perform under pressure, as demonstrated in their recent one-point victory over Merrimack, suggests they can rise to the occasion.

Given the tight nature of their previous games and the current betting lines, a bet on Sacred Heart to cover the spread (+3.5) appears favorable. Additionally, with both teams having a history of close games, the under on the total points (138.5) could be a prudent choice.

Final Prediction: Merrimack 65, Sacred Heart 63.

Get daily NCAABB picks here.