LIU vs Lafayette Picks and Prediction – 11/29/2024

The Long Island University Sharks (3-4) travel to face the Lafayette Leopards (2-4) at Kirby Sports Center. Both teams look to gain momentum after mixed starts to the season. The Sharks come off a tough road loss against Winthrop, while the Leopards ride the confidence of a dominant win over Rosemont. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Long Island University’s offense is led by Malachi Davis, who averages an impressive 19.1 points per game while shooting 42.5% from the field and 82.9% from the free-throw line. The Sharks score 74 points per game, showing decent efficiency at 44.6% shooting, though 35.6 rebounds per game leave room for improvement in controlling the glass. 

Terell Strickland’s contributions in rebounding (5.6 per game) and assists (4.3 per game) are crucial to maintaining pace in games. The Sharks' offense has been steady, but defensive issues remain as they allow 74.1 points per game. They must tighten up defensively, particularly in transition, to keep this matchup competitive.

Lafayette, by contrast, boasts a solid defensive approach, conceding 71.8 points per game. The Leopards rely on balanced scoring, with Devin Hines leading at 12.2 points per game while shooting 41.1% from the floor. The frontcourt presence of Misha Bednostin, averaging 7.8 rebounds per game, bolsters the interior defense. However, Lafayette has struggled with offensive consistency, shooting just 41.5% as a team. 

Mark Butler’s 2.7 assists per game highlight the need for better ball distribution, especially in high-pressure situations. If Lafayette can dominate the boards and disrupt the Sharks’ perimeter shooting, they could build on recent success at home.

Lafayette’s strong defense and home-court advantage give them the edge in this contest. The Sharks’ defensive struggles and reliance on Malachi Davis may prove costly against a disciplined Leopards team. Expect Lafayette to grind out a victory in a closely contested game. Final Score Prediction: Lafayette Leopards win and cover 73-67.