Expert prediction
MAAC Tournament: Sacred Heart vs Merrimack Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 6)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Pioneers got past the first round after beating Iona.
- The Warriors are the MAAC regular-season champions.
- This marks the 41st all-time matchup between the two MAAC squads.
The MAAC will be busy throughout tournament action, seeing the Sacred Heart Pioneers take on the Merrimack Warriors. The latter stands out as the solid favorite, presenting an interesting matchup in the quarterfinals.
How to Watch
- When: Friday, March 6, 6 pm ET
- Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City, New Jersey
- How to Watch: ESPN+
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacred Heart | -105 | +8 | O141.5 |
| Merrimack | -115 | -8 | U141.5 |
Game Preview
The Pioneers (14-18, 9-11 MAAC) were middling throughout league play, being in the bottom half of the conference standings. Despite this, they won their first-round matchup against Iona by a 91-80 score to reach the quarterfinals. Sacred Heart leads the MAAC in scoring offense (76.1 ppg), three-pointers made per game (10.8), and three-point percentage (36.1%). Anquan Hill ranks second in the MAAC in scoring at 17.6 points per game, while Nyle Ralph-Beyer ranks 10th in the conference at 14.4 points per game.
The Warriors (21-10, 17-3 MAAC) have cruised through conference play in convincing fashion, securing the MAAC regular-season title. Merrimack cleaned up on MAAC Postseason Awards with freshman Kevair Kennedy becoming the first-ever MAAC men’s basketball Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season. Joe Gallo was named MAAC Coach of the Year and KC Ugwuakazi was named Defensive Player of the Year. Kennedy leads the league in scoring at 18.5 ppg and averaged a league-best 20.7 ppg in conference games.
Sacred Heart vs Merrimack Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 40 meetings in their history, and the result is 23-17 for the Pioneers. The last matchup was in February this year when Merrimack won 75-58 at home.
Sacred Heart vs Merrimack Predictions
It will be tough for Sacred Heart to get the better of Merrimack, having lost the previous encounter in convincing fashion. On top of that, the Warriors have ambitions of reaching the NCAA Tournament. With the MAAC awards they received for their remarkable campaign, they may see to it that Merrimack gets to the conference championship game to represent the best the MAAC has to offer. Our betting pick here is the Warriors to defend an 8-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Merrimack Warriors -8
NCAAB
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