NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
The Fairfield Stags (16-11, 8-8 MAAC) return home to Leo D. Mahoney Arena tonight to host their cross-town rivals, the Sacred Heart Pioneers (12-16, 8-9 MAAC), at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+. This Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) showdown is the second meeting between the two in just 15 days. Fairfield claimed the first victory on February 5 with a high-scoring 92-87 win at Sacred Heart. Entering tonight, the Stags are 4.5-point favorites, looking to rebound from an 83-74 loss to Saint Peter’s, while the Pioneers arrive with momentum following an 86-75 victory over Rider.
Separated by just a few miles, this local rivalry has significant implications for the MAAC tournament seeding. Fairfield has been dominant on their home floor this season with a 10-3 record, while Sacred Heart has been a “giant-killer” lately, covering the spread in nine of their last 11 road games. With a total set at 155.5, expect another high-possession track meet between two of the most explosive offenses in the conference.
Accurate NCAAB Predictions Delivered
Lock in premium value for $9
Sacred Heart vs Fairfield Odds
Betting lines for tonight’s MAAC clash show Fairfield as a moderate home favorite. Be sure to check the latest college basketball odds before tip-off for any line movement.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Sacred Heart | +176 | +4.5 (-107) | O 155.5 (-110) |
| Fairfield | -229 | -4.5 (-118) | U 155.5 (-110) |
Sacred Heart Pioneers Betting Form
Sacred Heart’s offense is predicated on high-volume three-point shooting and drawing contact. They currently rank 31st nationally in three-pointers made (10.8 per game) and boast a top-40 free-throw percentage (77.8%). Star forward Anquan Hill has been on a tear, averaging 18.0 points and 6.2 rebounds, including a 21-point performance in their recent win over Rider. For more on their recent road success, visit the Sacred Heart Pioneers stats and results page.
The Pioneers have proven to be a nightmare for oddsmakers on the road, where they have consistently covered the 1H spread in away contests. However, their defense remains a concern, allowing 77.4 PPG. According to the Sacred Heart injury report, the roster is currently at full strength, which is vital for maintaining the high-tempo rotation required to keep pace with Fairfield’s shooters.
Fairfield Stags Betting Form
Fairfield is a different team within the confines of Leo D. Mahoney Arena. They have won nine of their last 12 home games and average 75.6 points per game. Brandon Benjamin remains the focal point of the offense; in the previous meeting with Sacred Heart, he dominated the interior with 26 points and 15 rebounds. Backcourt support comes from Braden Sparks, who averages 17.4 PPG and is coming off a game where he hit five triples. Track their home ATS trends on the Fairfield Stags schedule and stats page.
The Stags’ defense has been much more disciplined at home, often hitting the “Under” in eight of their last nine games at Mahoney Arena prior to the Sacred Heart matchup. However, when these two teams meet, the pace historically quickens. The Fairfield injury report shows no major new absences, meaning coach Chris Casey will have his primary starting five ready for this critical conference rematch.
Sacred Heart vs Fairfield Matchup Breakdown
This game is a rematch of a 179-point shootout from earlier this month. Fairfield’s Brandon Benjamin presents a significant matchup problem for Sacred Heart’s interior defense, which lacks the size to contain him without doubling. However, Sacred Heart’s 35.7% clip from beyond the arc allows them to erase deficits quickly. If Anquan Hill and Dashon Gittens can force Fairfield into a perimeter-oriented game, the Pioneers can stay within a single possession.
Fairfield’s home-court advantage is reflected in their 10-3 record, but they have struggled to cover large spreads against aggressive underdogs. Sacred Heart’s ability to hit free throws (77.8%) is the ultimate equalizer in close MAAC games. For more insights on how these Connecticut rivals stack up, check out our NCAAB betting guide.
Sacred Heart vs Fairfield Predictions and Best Bets
While Fairfield should win the game straight up, the 4.5-point spread is generous for a Sacred Heart team that scores 83.7 points per game in its wins. The Pioneers’ elite three-point shooting and high free-throw percentage make them an ideal candidate for a “backdoor cover” if the Stags take a late double-digit lead. My model projects a 78-76 final score, making the +4.5 a strong value play.
Regarding the total, although their last meeting cleared 170 points, Fairfield has trended toward the Under at home (8 of their last 9). 155.5 is a high bar for a conference rematch where both coaching staffs have had two weeks to adjust their defensive schemes. I’m leaning toward the Under 155.
Best Bet: Sacred Heart +4.5 (-107).
UP TO $250 BONUS BET
The Best Live In-Game Betting
21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
MAAC rivalries are often decided by home-court energy and three-point variance. See how the experts are playing tonight’s Mahoney Arena clash by visiting today’s college basketball picks. Our handicapper leaderboard lets you follow specialists who have built a profit specifically on mid-major conference trends.
Whether you’re looking for free NCAAB picks or premium picks from top sports handicappers, ScoresAndStats provides the data-driven edge you need to bet with confidence.
