Monday College Basketball Betting Odds & Picks: Northern Arizona vs. EWU, Howard vs. Coppin State

Monday College Basketball Betting Odds & Picks: Northern Arizona vs. EWU, Howard vs. Coppin State article feature image
Credit:

Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Pictured: Dejaun Clayton

Need some help recovering from your Super Bowl betting hangover? There is no better way than to pivot to Big Sky and MEAC college hoops.

First, we travel to Northern Arizona to see if the Lumberjacks can upset Big Sky leader Eastern Washington. Next, we head to Howard University as the Bison try to earn their first conference win at home against Coppin State.

Let's examine the matchups.

Monday College Basketball Odds & Picks


Odds as of Monday at 5:20 p.m. ET and via PointsBet, where Action Network users can access an exclusive promotion to get a 200% deposit match (deposit $50, bet with $150).No strings attached. No rollover required.


Northern Arizona vs. Eastern Washington

  • Spread: Northern Arizona -1
  • Over/Under: 152.5
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET
  • TV: Pluto TV

Northern Arizona (12-7) has exceeded expectations after being predicted to finish eighth in the Big Sky preseason poll. The Lumberjacks enter Monday's game tied for fourth in the conference, with a five-game winning streak. They are 10-7 against the spread, but only 1-3 in their last four home games.

Eastern Washington (14-6) is precisely where the preseason poll projected, sitting alone in first place atop the Big Sky. The Eagles are 7-2, with a five-game winning streak that includes three road wins. They are 10-7-1 ATS and have covered three of their past four games.

The Eagles are led by their high-scoring tandem of guard Jacob Davison (17.9 ppg) and forward Mason Peatling (15.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg). In Eastern Washington's last three road games, Davison has tallied 22 ppg while Peatling scored a combined 51 points in consecutive overtime wins over Northern Colorado and Southern Utah.

The Eagles love to push the pace and rank 16th in the country in adjusted-tempo per KenPom.

Northern Arizona has done an admirable job adapting to first-year coach Shane Burcar, who inherited the head job when Jack Murphy resigned in June. The Lumberjacks have also adjusted without senior Ted McCree (10.2 ppg) who left the team after serving a two-game suspension on Jan. 11.

The Lumberjacks struggle on defense, ranking 290th in effective field goal percentage allowed and 285th in 2P field goal percentage allowed. They will likely struggle to slow an Eastern Washington offense that has reached 71 points or more in four of their past five games.

Eastern Washington has dominated this matchup recently, with four consecutive wins by an average of 13.3 points per game.

The Eagles have found their rhythm and their offensive pace and scoring options will be too much for Northern Arizona to limit.

I'm taking the Big Sky leaders to keep their hold atop the conference with their fourth consecutive road win.

THE PICK:  Eastern Washington +1

Howard vs. Coppin State 

  • Spread: Coppin State -4.5
  • Over/Under: 155
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Howard (2-21) has struggled all season and enters Monday's game with an 0-8 record in MEAC play. The Bison have lost 11 consecutive games,  but are a surprising 8-12-1 against the spread. Howard has also covered four of their past five games.

Coppin State (6-17) hasn't been much better, with a 2-6 record in conference play, including an 82-75 win at home over Howard. The Eagles are 12-11 ATS but have failed to cover four of their last five games including that win over the Bison.

While their record doesn't reflect it, Howard has played much better over the past month. Each of their last three losses has been by single-digits, and they covered both home games against talented Ivy League teams Harvard and Yale. Senior guard Charles Williams (18.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg) has been a strong scorer, but only went 4 of 16 from the field in their first meeting with Coppin State.

Coppin State has a balanced scoring attack with four players in double-figures, led by junior Koby Thomas (12.5 ppg), but the Eagles 62.9% free throw shooting is one of the worst in the nation. In MEAC play, they are shooting even worst at 58.8% from the foul line.

The Eagles conference-worst 3P defense is a major concern against a Howard team that shot 40.6% (13 of 32) in that first meeting. Coppin State also shot 36% (9 of 25) in that game, which is unlikely to be repeated in a conference road game.

It's time for Howard to earn their first MEAC win, and tonight represents their best chance of the season. Look for Coppin State's eight-game road losing streak to continue, as the Bison keep this close the whole way.

THE PICK:  Howard +4.5

How would you rate this article?

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.

Sportsbook Promos
See All
Legal Online Sports Betting

bet365 Promo Code TOPACTION: $150 Bonus or up to $1K Bet Insurance Available; $200 Live in NC for Thursday

Sean Treppedi
Mar 28, 2024 UTC