Rider vs Merrimack

Merrimack comes into this matchup riding a four-game win streak, and their stifling defense has been a key reason why they've held opponents to under 65 points per game during that stretch. Rider, on the other hand, has lost three straight while struggling to generate consistent offense, averaging just over 60 PPG in those defeats. The Broncs’ backcourt is shorthanded, with their leading scorer nursing an ankle injury, further weakening an already inconsistent attack. Historically, Merrimack has given Rider trouble in low-scoring affairs, limiting them to an average of 62 points in their last two meetings. While the Warriors have been offensively competent, their tempo and defensive focus suggest a slower game. Given both teams' recent trajectories and Rider's injury concerns, the under looks like a strong bet. The value is solid, and with defensive play expected to be the dominant theme, this bet gets a B-grade.

Rider comes into this matchup on a frustrating five-game losing streak, but Merrimack’s recent performances suggest they may not run away with this one. The Warriors have won three straight, but two of those victories came against bottom-tier NEC teams, and they failed to cover the spread in their last home game. More concerning for Merrimack is the status of their leading scorer, who has been battling a nagging ankle injury that limited his minutes last game. Historically, Rider has struggled on the road, but they have been competitive against similarly ranked teams in their own conference, covering in three of their last five against better competition. With Merrimack potentially slowed by injuries and an inflated spread, taking Rider to stay within single digits offers solid value.