Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Defeat Central Connecticut Blue Devils
Friday, January 23, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Detrick Gymnasium
Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 76, Central Connecticut Blue Devils 66, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs Central Connecticut Blue Devils?
Fairleigh Dickinson Knights beat Central Connecticut Blue Devils 76-66 at Detrick Gymnasium on January 23, 2026.
Who was favored in Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs Central Connecticut Blue Devils?
Central Connecticut Blue Devils were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -345 (about 78% implied). The underdog won.
In a surprising turn of events, the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights triumphed over the Central Connecticut Blue Devils with a final score of 76-66 at Detrick Gymnasium. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Knights, who had previously struggled with a 7-13 record, while the Blue Devils held a better standing at 10-8.
The Knights entered the game with a mixed recent form, recording a 4-6 record over their last ten games. They were riding a one-game winning streak, having defeated the Wagner Seahawks 68-61 in their previous outing. Their scoring average over the last ten games was 64.2 points per game, with an average of 65.6 points allowed. In contrast, the Blue Devils had a 5-5 record in their last ten games, but they were coming off a loss against the Mercyhurst Lakers, where they fell 79-61. Central Connecticut's average scoring during this period was 72.5 points, while they allowed an average of 74.3 points.
When considering home and away performances, the Blue Devils had a home record of 2-1 in their last three games, but their overall form was less impressive with a 3-4 away record. The Knights, however, had a strong home record of 3-1, but struggled on the road with a 1-5 record. This disparity in home and away performance added an intriguing layer to the matchup.
Historically, the Blue Devils had dominated their previous meetings against the Knights, boasting a 3-0 record in their last three encounters. In the most recent matchup prior to this game, the Blue Devils secured a 76-72 victory on March 8, 2025. However, the tables turned in this latest face-off, showcasing the unpredictable nature of college basketball.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the impact of player availability can often influence game outcomes significantly, especially in close matchups like this one.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Central Connecticut was favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 140.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in the Blue Devils' ability to perform at home, despite their recent struggles. The moneyline showed Central Connecticut at -345.0 and Fairleigh Dickinson at 275.0, further emphasizing the expectations placed on the Blue Devils.
The game conditions were standard for a college basketball matchup, with no adverse weather or unusual circumstances reported that would affect play. Fans and analysts alike were eager to see how the Blue Devils would respond after a tough loss, while the Knights aimed to build momentum from their recent win.
As the game unfolded, Fairleigh Dickinson's ability to capitalize on free throws became a crucial factor. Key moments included Darin Smith Jr. and Eric Parnell making critical free throws in the second half, extending their lead and helping secure the victory. The Knights' defense also played a pivotal role, managing to stifle the Blue Devils' scoring opportunities and maintaining control of the game.
Ultimately, this game highlighted the volatility of college basketball, where past performances can be upended in a single matchup. The Knights' victory not only boosts their confidence but also adds a layer of complexity to the standings in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CCSU -7.5 | 140.5 o -115 / u -105 | Fairleigh Dickinson Knights +275 · Central Connecticut Blue Devils -345 |
Leaders
- PointsDarin Smith Jr.19Central Connecticut Blue Devils
- AssistsJay Rodgers6Central Connecticut Blue Devils
- ReboundsDarin Smith Jr.9Central Connecticut Blue Devils
- PointsEric Parnell29Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
- AssistsArthur Cox6Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
- ReboundsCyril Martynov5Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
Recent form
Central Connecticut Blue Devils
Last 10: 5-5Streak L172.5 scored · 74.3 allowed per game2-1 at home
- L61-79at Mercyhurst LakersJan 19
- W98-90at Saint Francis Red WolvesJan 17
- W69-59at Le Moyne DolphinsJan 10
- W76-69vs Stonehill SkyhawksJan 9
- W72-61vs New Haven ChargersJan 4
- L78-84at Long Island University SharksJan 3
- L70-84vs Fairfield StagsDec 19
- W84-67at Binghamton BearcatsDec 13
- L56-73at Northeastern HuskiesDec 7
- L61-77at Seton Hall PiratesDec 4
Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
Last 10: 4-6Streak W164.2 scored · 65.6 allowed per game1-5 away
- W68-61vs Wagner SeahawksJan 19
- L59-66vs Long Island University SharksJan 18
- L55-65at New Haven ChargersJan 10
- W70-63vs Chicago State CougarsJan 8
- L82-85at Saint Francis Red WolvesJan 4
- W74-67at Mercyhurst LakersJan 3
- L43-60at Minnesota Golden GophersDec 30
- L61-72at Boston College EaglesDec 23
- W76-42vs Lehman BridgesDec 19
- L54-75at Fordham RamsDec 11
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island University | 24-11 | - | 15-3 |
| Central Connecticut | 18-12 | 3 | 12-6 |
| Mercyhurst | 17-17 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Le Moyne | 15-17 | 5 | 10-8 |
| New Haven | 14-17 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Wagner | 14-17 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Stonehill | 12-21 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson | 11-21 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Saint Francis | 7-24 | 10 | 5-13 |
| Chicago State | 7-25 | 10 | 5-13 |
Box score
| Stat | Fairleigh Dickinson Knights | Central Connecticut Blue Devils |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-54 | 25-52 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 11-22 | 5-15 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 33 |
| Free throws | 9-11 | 11-13 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 85 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 22 |
| Assists | 19 | 8 |
| Steals | 8 | 2 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 5 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 30 |
| Fouls | 16 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 50 | 42 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-34Joey Niesman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cyril Martynov assists)
- 2nd Half38-34Joey Niesman makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-34Taeshaud Jackson makes layup
- 2nd Half40-36Darin Smith Jr. makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half40-39Darin Smith Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half43-39Eric Parnell makes 27-foot three point jumper (Joey Niesman assists)
- 2nd Half46-39David Jevtic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Arthur Cox assists)
- 2nd Half48-39Taeshaud Jackson makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half50-39Arthur Cox makes layup
- 2nd Half52-39Joey Niesman makes driving layup (Arthur Cox assists)
- 2nd Half52-41Max Frazier makes 10-foot floating jump shot (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half53-41Joey Niesman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-41Joey Niesman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-41Arthur Cox makes layup
- 2nd Half56-44Melo Sanchez makes 29-foot three point jumper (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half58-44Joey Niesman makes layup
- 2nd Half61-44Eric Parnell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Joey Niesman assists)
- 2nd Half61-46Darin Smith Jr. makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half63-46Cyril Martynov makes 0-foot dunk
- 2nd Half66-46Eric Parnell makes 27-foot three point jumper (David Jevtic assists)
- 2nd Half66-49Melo Sanchez makes 26-foot three point jumper (Darin Smith Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half68-49Eric Parnell makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half68-51Melo Sanchez makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half70-51Eric Parnell makes layup (Cyril Martynov assists)
- 2nd Half70-53Jay Rodgers makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-54Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-55Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-55Cyril Martynov makes layup (David Jevtic assists)
- 2nd Half72-56Max Frazier makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-58Jay Rodgers makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-59Max Frazier makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-60Max Frazier makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-61Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-62Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-62Eric Parnell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-62Eric Parnell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-64Max Frazier makes layup
- 2nd Half75-64Eric Parnell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-64Eric Parnell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-66Ashton Reynolds makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Central Connecticut Blue Devils, below favours Fairleigh Dickinson Knights.
Venue
- Detrick GymnasiumNew Britain, CT
- Attendance1045
- OfficialsNathan Hall, Mikerlange Fleury, David Powell
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