Game of the Night

Davidson Wildcats (7-2) vs. Morehead State Eagles (6-3)

TV: A10 Network (Stream) | Tipoff: 1:00 ET | Line: DAV -7.5

After a blowout loss to Pittsburgh this past weekend, Davidson looks to get back on track when they Morehead State in the Gotham Classic.

The Wildcats (7-2) were trending up before running into Pitt, receiving votes in both the AP and Coaches polls. However, the Panthers didn’t buy the hype and smashed Davidson 94-69 at Madison Square Garden. The Wildcats’ offense, one of the most effective in the nation (84.2 PPG) was effectively stalled by Pitt’s D, proving that at this point in time Davidson does not have what it takes to compete with the top 25 power conference programs it seeks to identify itself with. Simply put, the Cats were humbled.

Now they face a Morehead State team that may, in fact, be a sleeper opponent. The Eagles have lost three times this season: to Pitt, Indiana and Illinois State. While the two former have proven to be NCAA tourney caliber teams, the ISU game was lost on a buzzer-beater 67-66. This team is more than it lets on.

This game will be very interesting on Davidson’s offensive end. The Wildcats have the 24th best offense in the nation, and best in the A10. Jack Gibbs is an absolute stud and is averaging 24.8 PPG. On the other end, Morehead State prides itself on defense and is giving up just 60.3 PPG, 15th best nationally. While they have ceded big games to Pitt and IU, this will be a matchup the Eagles will be looking to feast off of, especially given Davidson’s lack of interior size. That will be a battle to watch closely.

In the end, however, Davidson should prevail. For a team that seeks to make an NCAA tournament appearance for the second year in a row, this is a must win game. Plus, it’s at home, an added bonus in comparison to the neutral court MSG they are returning from. I like the Cats to win this one.

Prediction: Davidson 80, Morehead State 68