Wagner vs. Bryant Prediction and Odds for NEC Championship Game (Seahawks Disrespected as Underdogs)
By Matt De Saro
Tuesday night brings us the Northeast Conference Tournament final between the Wagner Seahawks and the Bryant Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs won the regular-season crown and are slight three-point favorites to hoist the championship trophy tonight. Wagner enters this title game as a very worthy underdog and has already beat Bryant once this year 84-81. However, Bryant got revenge just a few weeks ago 78-70 so tonight will also serve as a rubber match.
Does Bryant deserve to be favored by this many points against a team they split games with this year?
Here are the odds for the NEC Title Game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.
Wagner vs. Bryant Odds, Spread, and Total
Spread:
- Wagner +3 (-110)
- Bryant -3 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Wagner +130
- Bryant -160
Total: 149.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Wagner vs. Bryant Prediction and Pick
Taking a quick look over the stats for these two teams, a few things immediately jump off the page. While both teams have top 75 offenses, the Bulldogs' scoring defense is terrible! This team allows 74.4 points per game to be scored on them and that isn’t even half of it. Butler is 338th in the opponent’s total rebounds and 327th in opponent's total assists. Bryant is also lower ranked than the Seahawks are at KenPom at 127th compared to the Bulldogs at 201st.
I suppose one reason that Bryant is getting so much love is that this is a home game for Bryant and will be packed with Bulldogs fans. In a game like this, that kind of atmosphere can have a big effect.
I'll take Wagner as the much more well-rounded team and one that has already proven they can beat the Bulldogs. My brain is telling me to take the spread here but I might be tempted later in the day by a little ML addition. Either way I think that Wagners is being undervalued here and worth a look to upset Bryant for the NEC Title.
Pick: Wagner +3 (-110) / Lean: Wagner +130 to win
Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE