Both the Lehigh Mountain Hawks and the Prairie View A&M Panthers are gearing up for an exciting First Four matchup. With recent momentum, both teams are eager to make a mark. But here’s why I’m leaning toward Lehigh.
Hank Alvey, a standout forward for Lehigh, is a key player to watch. Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing in at 250 pounds, he poses a tough challenge for the smaller Prairie View squad. He has been a dominant force, particularly evident when he scored 30 points against Colgate in the Patriot League tournament.
Statistically, Prairie View A&M struggles with defense, allowing over 36 points in the paint per game. This sets the stage for Alvey to shine. He averaged 16.7 points during conference play and has consistently scored 17 or more in seven of his last 11 games, ramping that up to 19.6 points recently.
Let’s take a closer look at the teams:
Lehigh: They’ve won nine of their last ten games, with a strong finish to the season. Securing the Patriot League title as the No. 2 seed gives them confidence as they enter the tournament.
Prairie View A&M: Despite a surprising run to the play-in, they’ve struggled against stronger teams. Analysts rate them as one of the weakest in the tournament, making the challenge ahead tougher.
The betting odds reflect this dynamic: Lehigh is favored by 3.5 points. If you’re considering a parlay bet, look at these picks:
- Lehigh Moneyline
- Hank Alvey Over 16.5 points
- Nasir Whitlock Over 1.5 three-pointers
Alvey’s ability to gather second-chance points could be a game-changer. Meanwhile, Lehigh’s perimeter shooters, like Nasir Whitlock, can capitalize on defensive gaps that arise from Alvey’s inside presence.
Historically, teams that dominate the paint usually have an advantage in tournament play, a trend that aligns with current data showing that higher scoring inside translates to success. Lehigh hit the Over in 13 of its last 18 games, reflecting its scoring capabilities.
In terms of viewing, this matchup will take place at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio, with tip-off at 6:40 p.m. ET, broadcasted on truTV.
Watch for exciting plays and strategic shifts as Lehigh aims to bring home a win and further their tournament journey.
