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Marquette vs Albany Week 1 Betting Preview
Marquette tips off its 2025-26 season Monday night in Milwaukee against Albany, a matchup that marks the start of a new era for coach Shaka Smart’s program. With Kam Jones, David Joplin, and Stevie Mitchell gone, preseason All-Big East first-team guard Chase Ross takes over as the lead option.
Ross averaged 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season and returns alongside forward Ben Gold. Marquette, picked fifth in the Big East coaches’ poll, brings back all key contributors — rare stability in modern college basketball. Point guard Sean Jones returns from a torn ACL to run the offense.
Albany, tied for second in the America East preseason poll, will counter with sophomore guard Amir Lindsey, an All-Rookie selection who averaged 6.0 points off the bench. Coach Dwayne Killings, a former Marquette assistant, rebuilt the Great Danes with nine transfers.
See more college basketball previews and NCAA picks for opening-week matchups.
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Line Movement and Odds
According to the latest NCAA basketball odds Marquette opened as a -21.5 favorite with the total at 145.5. The spread has moved slightly to -22, with the total holding steady.
Public money leans toward Marquette, but early sharp action hit Albany plus the points, showing mild resistance at the current number. The moneyline sits around Marquette -5000 / Albany +1500.
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Matchup Breakdown
Marquette Outlook: The Golden Eagles’ offense should again revolve around pace and ball pressure. Ross and Gold form an efficient inside-out duo, while Sean Jones’ return adds stability at point guard. Expect Smart’s defense to swarm Albany’s young guards.
Albany Outlook: The Great Danes’ revamped roster brings athleticism but little continuity. Lindsey leads a group that will rely on quick shots and transition chances. They struggled to defend the paint last season, allowing nearly 53% shooting on twos.
Key matchup: Albany’s rebounding vs Marquette’s physical frontcourt. The Golden Eagles ranked among the Big East leaders in second-chance points last season.
Injuries and Conditions
Marquette
- Sean Jones (knee) – full participant in practice, cleared to start
- No other reported injuries
Albany
- No notable injuries reported
Weather won’t factor in with this indoor matchup.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Marquette’s depth and defensive edge should overwhelm Albany’s newcomers. The Great Danes’ turnovers and size disadvantage are concerns against Smart’s press.
Prediction: Marquette 84, Albany 58
Best Bet: Marquette -22
Lean: Under 145.5
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