Though Radford has not played a game since winning the Big South on March 4, the Highlanders enter their First Four play-in game vs the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds streaking. Radford has won its past seven games while holding opponents to just 53.6 points per game. Radford and LIU will meet in Dayton on Tuesday with the Sportsbook facing No. 1 seed Villanova on Thursday.
- LIU is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games as an underdog.
- The total has gone UNDER in LIU’s last 3 games.
- Radford is 3-12 ATS in its last 15 games as a favorite.
Radford coach Mike Jones cut his teeth learning under Shaka Smart at VCU, something that becomes apparent when you watch the Highlanders play defense. Radford ranks in the top 30 in the nation in points, assists and field goals allowed per game. Offensively, the team relies heavily on getting into the paint with Radford shooting an average of 21.6 three-pointers per game (163rd in the nation). The team relies heavily on freshman guard Carlik Jones to either drive or kick it to junior forward Ed Polite Jr.
LIU may be the biggest Cinderella story of the NCAA Tournament. The Blackbirds have the second-most losses of any team in the tourney and finished the regular season fourth in the NEC. To the surprise of nobody, LIU made its miracle run through the NEC tournament thanks to the tandem of Raiquan Clark and Joel Hernandez, who averaged a combined 47 points while shooting 66.2 percent from the field. The issue for LIU will undoubtedly be dealing with the big men of Radford, as the Blackbirds traditionally start four guards with senior Zach Coleman the only forward.
Radford Highlanders vs LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds battle the Radford Highlanders, currently sitting with a 22-12 mark (7-8 ATS). The OVER/UNDER records, always important for totals betting, are 10-13 for the Blackbirds and 4-11 for the Highlanders.
The Power Rankings at OddsShark show No. 211-rated Radford taking on No. 76-rated LIU Brooklyn in this contest.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Radford got 13 points from Carlik Jones en route to a 55-52 victory over Liberty on Sunday at Kimmel Arena.
Joel Hernandez went off for 32 points and added 7 rebounds for good measure, leading LIU Brooklyn to a 71-61 win over Wagner on Tuesday at Spiro Sports Center.
