Marist vs Sacred Heart

Marist enters this contest riding a strong stretch, winning four of their last five, while Sacred Heart struggles to regain form after three consecutive losses. The Red Foxes’ impressive defense, anchored by center Jaden Daughtry, should pose problems for Sacred Heart’s inconsistent offense. Historically, Marist’s guard play has outperformed Sacred Heart’s perimeter defense, with Malik Benson averaging over 18 points per game in their last three meetings. While Sacred Heart holds home-court advantage, their struggles against physical defensive teams make Marist a smart pick in a near-even matchup.

Sacred Heart enters this matchup on a rough 3-game losing skid, struggling offensively while allowing opponents to dictate tempo late in games. Meanwhile, Marist has been on a tear, winning five straight, thanks largely to their strong on-ball defense. Historically, Marist’s defensive scheme has stifled Sacred Heart, holding them under 70 points in their last three meetings. With Marist controlling the pace and Sacred Heart’s scoring concerns, the under looks appealing. This bet earns a solid B+—it’s a strong value play, though a late-game free-throw surge could make things interesting.

Marist’s early-season hot streak has fizzled as they’ve dropped five straight games, a troubling sign entering this road contest against Sacred Heart. Meanwhile, the Pioneers have turned things around with three straight wins, gaining momentum at the right time. Adding to Marist’s concerns, a key injury to their starting backcourt has left them vulnerable on both ends of the floor, exposing a defense that has been weaker than their record might suggest. Historically, Sacred Heart has performed well at home against similarly struggling opponents, and with their recent form, they’re in a position to capitalize. Given Marist’s road struggles and lack of depth, expect Sacred Heart to cover the slim spread with confidence.