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Chicago State vs Fairleigh Dickinson Picks and Predictions – January 8, 2026
Independent Chicago State heads east to face Fairleigh Dickinson in a non-conference matchup Thursday night at the Bogota Savings Bank Center. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET. The Knights opened as 2.5-point home favorites, and the total is set at 146.5 — pointing to a potentially up-and-down battle between two teams that prefer offense over defense.
FDU (5–10) has had an up-and-down start in NEC play and remains inconsistent on both ends. Chicago State (4–12) continues its independent grind with another long trip and enters as a live dog. Both teams allow over 75 points per game, so expect runs, breakdowns, and plenty of possessions.
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Chicago State vs Fairleigh Dickinson Odds
Here are the current betting lines — always check for updates using the latest college basketball odds before placing your wager.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago State | +115 | +2.5 (-109) | O 146.5 (-108) |
| Fairleigh Dickinson | -140 | -2.5 (-111) | U 146.5 (-113) |
Chicago State Betting Form
Chicago State is still working to build a consistent identity — but they compete. They play fast, shoot a decent volume of threes, and aren’t afraid to push tempo. The Cougars average over 70 points per game but struggle with turnovers and shot selection. When they move the ball, they’re dangerous. When they get stagnant, they fall apart.
Defensively, it’s rough. Chicago State gives up too many clean looks from deep, and their transition defense is spotty at best. Rebounding is also an issue, especially on the defensive end.
Check the Chicago State injury report and browse Chicago State stats and results for how they’ve performed in similar road games.
Fairleigh Dickinson Betting Form
FDU lives and dies by their offense. They’re efficient in transition, play fast, and shoot a ton of threes. They average nearly 75 points per game and generate a solid amount of assists per made bucket. When they’re hitting shots, especially at home, they can blow teams out.
The issue? Defense. The Knights are bottom-50 in defensive efficiency and allow over 77 points per game. They give up open threes and rarely win the rebounding battle. Against physical or aggressive teams, they tend to wear down in the second half.
Keep an eye on the Fairleigh Dickinson injury report and review Fairleigh Dickinson schedule and stats for recent trends at home.
Chicago State vs Fairleigh Dickinson Matchup Breakdown
Expect a fast tempo and limited resistance on either end. Both teams want to run and shoot early — this total is high for a reason.
- Tempo: Both teams rank top-100 in possessions per game. Expect a fast start and minimal halfcourt grinding.
- 3PT Shooting: Slight edge to FDU in volume and efficiency. CSU is more streaky.
- Rebounding Gap: Neither is strong here, but FDU’s lack of size may hurt on second-chance points.
- Turnovers: Both teams are sloppy — whoever limits mistakes will get more easy looks.
This feels like a coin-flip game with a lot of scoring volatility — which makes the underdog worth a long look.
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Chicago State vs Fairleigh Dickinson Predictions and Best Bets
This game is tighter than the line suggests. Chicago State has shown flashes, and they’ve kept games close against similar mid-major opponents. FDU’s defense is unreliable, and their offense can vanish for long stretches when the threes don’t fall.
I lean Chicago State +2.5. You’re getting the team with more shot creation inside, and they’re playing with nothing to lose on the road. Live for the upset? Maybe. But definitely live for the cover.
As for the total, 146.5 is fair, but the Over has value with two teams that don’t guard and love to run. If one team hits 80 — and they could — it likely gets there.
Best Bet: Chicago State +2.5 (-109)
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