SharpBetz
NCAAB

UAlbany Great Danes vs NJIT Highlanders

Friday, February 20, 2026

Matchup Analysis

This NCAAB matchup features UAlbany Great Danes (9-17 (5-4)) traveling to take on NJIT Highlanders (15-12 (7-3)) at Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center, Newark, NJ. The NJIT hold a clear statistical edge this season, outperforming the UAlbany by 7.3 points per game in scoring margin. That differential will be a key factor in this matchup. On offense, NJIT averages 76.1 points per game, which exceeds what the UAlbany defense typically allows (74.8 PPG). That mismatch could give the home side opportunities to exploit. The UAlbany offense puts up 71.9 PPG and faces a NJIT defense allowing 71.7 PPG. The visitors have the offensive firepower to stay in this one. Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and NJIT will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model projects NJIT to win by approximately 8.6 points. The 68% confidence interval ranges from NJIT winning by 21 to losing by 4. The market has this game at -4.5, but our model sees value on NJIT with a 4.1-point edge. Our line: NJIT -8.6. Combined with the total projection of 148 versus the market line of 143.5, there are opportunities to find value on both sides of this matchup.

Team Comparison

UALB UAlbany
Stat
NJIT NJIT
9-17 (5-4)
Record
15-12 (7-3)
Last 10
71.9
PPG
76.1
74.8
Opp PPG
71.7

Current Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
UALB UAlbany Great Danes
+338 +4.5 O 143.5
NJIT NJIT Highlanders
-338 -4.5 U 143.5
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Feb 19, 11:18 AM
Opening line: -4.5 / O/U 143.5

Model Projection

Team Moneyline Spread Total
UALB UAlbany Great Danes
+308 +8.6 O 148
NJIT NJIT Highlanders
-308 -8.6 U 148
Source: Model Updated: Feb 19, 11:18 AM

Our Picks

Spread
NJIT (opened at -4.5)
54% Confidence
Total
Over (opened at 143.5)
59% Confidence

Recent Trends

NJIT enters at 15-12 (7-3), hovering around the .500 mark. They've shown flashes of strong play but haven't been able to sustain consistency. At home, they'll look to put together a complete performance and build momentum. It's been a difficult season for UAlbany at 9-17 (5-4). Traveling to face NJIT presents a significant challenge, though every game is a chance to build for the future. When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.

Matchup Edges

NJIT

Advantages

  • Home court advantage and crowd support
  • Strong offense averaging 76.1 PPG
  • Familiarity with home venue and routines

Disadvantages

  • Potential for inconsistency in key moments

UAlbany

Advantages

  • Nothing to lose as the visiting team
  • Road underdog motivation — play with less pressure

Disadvantages

  • Playing on the road without home crowd support
  • Struggling with a 9-17 (5-4) record this season