Chicago State vs Fairleigh Dickinson Picks and Prediction – 1/11/2024

This showdown at Stratis Arena features the Chicago State Cougars against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights. The Cougars, struggling on the road with a 3-9 record, face a challenging Knights team holding a modest yet more stable 3-3 home record. This matchup, tipping off at 6:00 PM, offers a compelling contrast of styles, with both teams eager to improve. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

The Chicago State Cougars, with a 7-15 overall record, have found the going tough this season. Offensive output, averaging 63.7 points per game, ranks low nationally. Coupled with a field goal percentage of just 40.1%, it's clear why the Cougars have struggled to convert efforts into victories. Leading the charge for Chicago State is Wesley Cardet Jr., averaging an impressive 17.6 points per game, although his efforts haven't translated into consistent team success.

Defensively, the Cougars allow an average of 70.5 points per game, reflecting some resilience but also highlighting areas needing improvement. The defense, while not elite, is notably stronger than the offense. The team's rebounding stats (31.2 per game) and steals (8.7 per game) indicate a tenacious, if not always effective, defensive effort. Recent form has been a concern, with a six-game losing streak underscoring the need for a turnaround in performance.

Fairleigh Dickinson, with a 6-10 record, presents a slightly more optimistic picture. The offense shines brighter, scoring 78.1 points per game, a figure that reflects the ability to find the basket more consistently than opponents. Ansley Almonor, leading the team with 16.3 points per game, is a crucial player for the Knights. However, despite a scoring ability, the defense has been a major weakness, allowing a high 80.7 points per game, one of the worst in the nation.

This defensive frailty, coupled with a field goal percentage allowed of 45.3%, suggests the Knights struggle to contain opposing offenses. Rebounding (37.1 per game) is stronger than the Cougars', hinting at a potential edge in this clash. The Knights' recent form is also concerning, with five consecutive losses suggesting that, like Chicago State, they are in desperate need of a win to turn the season around.