Florida A&M - Niagara Preview

Florida A&M Vs. Niagara
Tuesday, 3/13 @ 7:30 pm
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Niagara -8.5

This opening round game pits Florida A&M Rattlers (21- 13, 12- 6 MEAC) against the Niagara Purple Eagles (22- 11, 13- 5 MAAC). Both teams finished second in their conferences in the regular season and both won their conference tournaments.

The Rattlers, who are led by senior forward Rome Sanders (15.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG), are a rough and tough rebounding team that likes the 3-point stripe. Guard Leslie Robinson (11.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG) hits threes at 39%. The dominant rebounder is Brian Greene (11.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG), who is also the second leading scorer. Niagara is not a big team but they have a solid bench comprised primarily of guards. The team led the MEAC in field goal defense with opponents shooting 41.6% against them.

The Florida A&M defense will have its hands full with Niagara’s offense, since the Purple Eagles averaged 79.3 PPG in the MAAC and 75.2 PPG overall. Niagara, which saw six of its players suspended during the season for a fight in August, has managed to get its act together, entering the tournament with an 11-game win streak. Junior swingman Charron Fisher (21.0 PPG, 8.1 RPG) is the cub’s leading scorer, while senior Clif Brown (16.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG) is a hot shot inside and a solid rebounder. Five players average 10 or more points per game.

The Purple Eagles can score points but their defense is porous, while the Rattlers can score inside and outside. Whoever wins the boards wins the game.

Lean towards Niagara minus the points but plenty of better wagering opportunities will be available. We do have a premium college basketball pick on the total of this game lined up for members. Get signed up for this winning college hoops pick today!

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