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Albany vs Massachusetts-Lowell Picks and Predictions – January 3, 2026
The Albany Great Danes visit Lowell, MA, to take on the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks in a pivotal America East matchup on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 PM ET at the Kennedy Family Athletic Complex. Both teams are chasing consistency in conference play, and with the line sitting at UMass-Lowell -1.5 and a total of 155.5, oddsmakers expect a close, uptempo battle.
UMass-Lowell has thrived at home, using physicality and inside scoring to grind out wins. Albany is more perimeter-focused and volatile — capable of pulling an upset when they’re hot from deep, but vulnerable when they’re not. This is a classic contrast in styles, and one team is better suited to impose its identity.
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Albany Great Danes vs Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks Odds
These are the current betting odds for Saturday’s game. Track all market moves on the latest college basketball odds page.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany Great Danes | +106 | +1.5 (-108) | O 155.5 |
| Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks | -130 | -1.5 (-112) | U 155.5 |
Albany Great Danes Betting Form
Albany comes into this game as one of the streakiest teams in the America East. The Great Danes lean heavily on three-point volume and backcourt creation, which gives them a puncher’s chance in most games — but also makes them highly dependent on early rhythm. They average over 24 attempts from deep per game and push pace when they’re trailing.
Defensively, they’re exploitable. Albany gives up high-percentage looks inside and commits fouls at one of the highest rates in the league. That’s dangerous against a UMass-Lowell team that thrives on rim pressure and lives at the line.
Turnovers have also been a problem. The Great Danes rank near the bottom of the conference in turnover margin, often giving away easy transition chances. That, combined with rebounding concerns, explains why they’ve struggled on the road.
Be sure to check the Albany injury report before tipoff. For full team stats and trends, visit the Albany team page.
Want more insight into betting on high-variance underdogs? Our sports betting for beginners guide breaks it down.
Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks Betting Form
UMass-Lowell has protected its home court well and brings a tough, balanced roster into this one. The River Hawks play through their bigs, emphasize rebounding, and keep games physical in the half-court. While they don’t shoot many threes, their efficiency inside the arc and at the free-throw line creates consistent scoring opportunities.
They’re also a strong second-half team, with multiple comeback wins this season thanks to their ability to wear opponents down. Their rebounding edge should be a key factor against Albany’s smaller front line.
Defensively, the River Hawks are disciplined. They contest shots without fouling and rotate well to take away easy looks. If they can force Albany into a cold stretch — which has happened often — they’ll control the tempo and run away with this one.
Keep an eye on the Massachusetts-Lowell injury report for any roster updates. Their full team performance data is available on the UMass-Lowell team page.
For more on how defensive teams create betting value, check out our sports betting strategy guide.
Albany vs Massachusetts-Lowell Matchup Breakdown
This matchup boils down to pace, shot profile, and physicality. Albany will try to win from the outside, while UMass-Lowell dominates the interior. The River Hawks also get to the free-throw line at nearly double the rate of Albany, and if this game gets into foul trouble, the hosts will have the clear advantage.
Matchup edges:
- Free Throw Rate: UMass-Lowell +15% edge
- Rebounding: River Hawks +7.8 margin at home
- Turnovers: Albany commits nearly 3 more TOs per game
- Tempo: Albany pushes pace, UMass-Lowell slows it down and controls possession
If Albany hits early and builds confidence, they can stretch this game out. But if UMass-Lowell forces contested looks and dominates the glass, they’ll limit Albany’s second chances and grind out another home win.
Looking to capitalize on foul-heavy matchups? Learn more about props betting and how player free throws and rebounds can offer sharp edges.
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Albany vs Massachusetts-Lowell Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Massachusetts-Lowell here. Their physicality, rim protection, and rebounding give them the tools to shut down Albany’s perimeter-heavy attack. The Great Danes are too reliant on hitting early threes, and their foul trouble issues could catch up to them again.
The spread is short, and the moneyline isn’t too juicy for a home team with multiple matchup advantages. While Albany is dangerous in spurts, I’d rather back the team that’s more consistent inside and has proven they can defend without giving up big runs.
Total-wise, 155.5 is high for a UMass-Lowell game. If the River Hawks dictate pace, this could sneak under. But a few Albany scoring bursts make that risky.
Best Bet: Massachusetts-Lowell -1.5 (-112)
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