The Northeastern Huskies take on the Monmouth Hawks in West Long Branch, N.J. Tip-off is set for 11 a.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
Monmouth is favored by 3.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -185. The total is set at 146.5 points.
Here’s my Northeastern vs. Monmouth prediction and college basketball picks for January 19, 2026.
Northeastern vs Monmouth Prediction
My Pick: Under 146.5 (Play to 145)
My Northeastern vs Monmouth best bet is on the under. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Northeastern vs. Monmouth Odds
| Northeastern Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -102 | 146.5 -115o / -105u | +154 |
| Monmouth Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -118 | 146.5 -115o / -105u | -185 |
- Northeastern vs Monmouth spread: Monmouth -3.5
- Northeastern vs Monmouth over/under: 146.5 points
- Northeastern vs Monmouth moneyline: Northeastern +154, Monmouth -185
Northeastern vs Monmouth College Basketball Betting Preview
If you’re looking for a game that screams a sleepy start and grind-it-out finish, this Northeastern/Monmouth matchup checks just about every box, and the 11 a.m. local tip time only amplifies it.
Early-start college hoops games already tend to skew under, and when you combine that with two teams that prefer half-court basketball and struggle to score efficiently, the under becomes the most logical way to attack this spot.
Let’s start with pace, because that’s the foundation of any total. Both teams operate at a slower pace than the national average in terms of average possession length, and neither side shows any real desire to push the tempo.
Monmouth, in particular, ranks well below average in offensive efficiency, while Northeastern’s defense plays at a pace designed to limit transition opportunities. This isn't a game where either team is looking to race, especially not at 11 in the morning, when legs are heavy and jump shots tend to come up short.
When Monmouth has the ball, scoring efficiency is a real concern. The Hawks' offense ranks near the bottom nationally in adjusted efficiency and effective field goal percentage. That’s not just a matchup issue; it’s been a season-long trend.
They also rely more on 2-point scoring than the average team, which matters because Northeastern does a respectable job limiting clean looks inside the arc.
Add in the fact that Monmouth’s 3-point usage ranks well below the national average, and you’re looking at an offense that lacks the volume shooting for a total to go over.
Northeastern’s defense further supports the under narrative. While the Huskies do send teams to the free-throw line at a near-average rate, Monmouth’s efficiency at the stripe doesn’t fully offset its struggles to generate high-quality shots.
In a low-possession environment, empty trips matter, and Monmouth has had plenty of them this season.
Flip the floor, and Northeastern’s offense isn’t exactly built to blow the doors off either.
While the Huskies rank around the national average in offensive efficiency, they’re heavily dependent on ball movement and clean execution. Monmouth’s defense forces turnovers at an above-average rate and does a solid job limiting second-chance opportunities.
Northeastern also ranks near the bottom nationally in offensive rebounding, which caps its scoring ceiling and reduces the likelihood of extended possessions.
Another key under signal is shot profile. Neither team relies heavily on 3-point volume, and both fall below the national average in points coming from beyond the arc. That’s critical for totals, because games dominated by 2s and free throws tend to bleed clock.
Northeastern may shoot the 3 decently well, but Monmouth doesn’t allow a high volume of attempts, and Northeastern’s overall point distribution skews away from quick-strike scoring.
Then there’s the rotation and experience dynamic. Northeastern plays one of the deepest rotations in the country, ranking near the top nationally in bench minutes.
That often leads to inconsistent offensive rhythm, especially in early tip games.
Monmouth, meanwhile, plays a tighter rotation but lacks elite shot creators.
Neither profile is ideal for sustained scoring runs, particularly in a game projected to be competitive throughout.
My Pick: Under 146.5 (Play to 145)
