College basketball betting line experts were surprised by Fairfield Stags a year ago. After being picked to finish at the bottom of the MAAC last season Fairfield did much better than expected. That success against the basketball betting lines could continue this season. College basketball betting lines odds on the Stags could continue to go lower if 6-8 forward Mike Evanovich, a transfer from Iowa State, has an immediate impact. He joins a solid group of returnees that includes sophomore forwards 6-8 Anthony Johnson (8.6 points per game according to college basketball betting lines stats), and 6-7 Greg Nero (9.4 points per game according to college basketball betting lines stats). Also returning are 6-6 senior forward Marty O’Sullivan (5.9 points per game according to basketball betting stats) and guards Jonathan Han (7.7 points per game according to college basketball betting lines stats) and Herbie Allen (5.8 points per game according to college basketball betting lines stats).
Experts that look at the college basketball betting lines remember that Fairfield Stags finished the season 10-4. Nero made the MAAC All-Rookie Team and should improve this season according to college basketball betting line experts. Johnson started all thirty-two games last season and with Nero gives the Stags a nice one-two threat down low according to basketball betting experts. O’Sullivan led the team in rebounding last season and could do so again according to college basketball betting lines experts. Freshmen Yorel Hawkins (Apex, NC) and Warren Edney (Vienna, VA) could get playing time according to college basketball betting lines experts. Sophomore Devin Johnson (2.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg) did start nineteen games last year and provides depth. Other possible contributors in the backcourt include sophomore Jimmy O’Sullivan and freshmen Lyndon Johnson and Sean Grzeck according to college basketball betting lines experts.
Fairfield had the best scoring defense in the MAAC last season, allowing 64.7 points per game according to basketball betting stats. If they keep that defense up again this year they will make a mark versus the college basketball betting lines. The Stags are probably not good enough to challenge Siena or Loyola for the top spot in the conference but they can definitely spring a few surprises this season.