SharpBetz
NCAAB

Chicago State Cougars vs Long Island University Sharks

Friday, February 27, 2026

Matchup Analysis

This NCAAB matchup features Chicago State Cougars (7-23 (5-6)) traveling to take on Long Island University Sharks (20-10 (10-1)) at Steinberg Wellness Center, Brooklyn, NY. The Long Island hold a clear statistical edge this season, outperforming the Chicago St by 12.1 points per game in scoring margin. That differential will be a key factor in this matchup. Long Island averages 74.1 points per game, but they face a Chicago St defense that holds opponents to 75.8 PPG. The visitors' defensive prowess could limit the home team's scoring output. Meanwhile, Chicago St scores 66.0 PPG but faces a Long Island defense that limits opponents to 71.9 PPG. The home team's defensive effort could be the difference-maker. Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and Long Island will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model projects Long Island to win by approximately 8.4 points. The 68% confidence interval ranges from Long Island winning by 21 to losing by 4. The market has this game at -12.5, but our model sees value on Chicago St with a 4.1-point edge. Our line: Long Island -8.4. Combined with the total projection of 140 versus the market line of 139.5, there are opportunities to find value on both sides of this matchup.

Team Comparison

CHST Chicago St
Stat
LIU Long Island
7-23 (5-6)
Record
20-10 (10-1)
Last 10
66.0
PPG
74.1
75.8
Opp PPG
71.9

Current Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
CHST Chicago State Cougars
+525 +12.5 O 139.5
LIU Long Island University Sharks
-750 -12.5 U 139.5
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Feb 26, 5:59 AM
Opening line: -12.5 / O/U 139.5

Model Projection

Team Moneyline Spread Total
CHST Chicago State Cougars
+389 +8.4 O 140.1
LIU Long Island University Sharks
-389 -8.4 U 140.1
Source: Model Updated: Feb 27, 4:48 AM

Our Picks

Spread
Chicago St (opened at -12.5)
54% Confidence

Play to -9.1

Total
Pass
Model: 140.1 | Edge below threshold

Recent Trends

Long Island enters at 20-10 (10-1), 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 Chicago St at 7-23 (5-6). Traveling to face Long Island 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

Long Island

Advantages

  • Strong 20-10 (10-1) overall record this season
  • Home court advantage and crowd support
  • Familiarity with home venue and routines

Disadvantages

  • Potential for inconsistency in key moments

Chicago St

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 7-23 (5-6) record this season