The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (1-0) visit the Air Force Falcons (0-1) at Clune Arena Friday. Tip is set for 5 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Delaware vs. Air Force odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Hens started out their season with a win over the Wilmington Wildcats, and it was two players that led the way, G Jameer Nelson Jr. and F Jyare Davis. The duo scored 38 points combined as the Hens won 78-54. The Blue Hens finished last season with a 22-13 record. Nelson Jr. was the leading scorer.
Air Force lost to Bowling Green 62-58 on Monday. G Camden Vander Zwaag led the team with 14 points as the Falcons had 3 players score in double figures.
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Delaware at Air Force odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 8:32 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Delaware -117 (bet $117 to win $100) | Air Force -108 (bet $108 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Delaware +1.5 (-110 ) | H -1.5 (-110 )
- Over/Under (O/U): 130.5 (O: -110 | U: -110 )
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Delaware at Air Force picks and predictions
Prediction
Delaware 64, Air Force 60
Moneyline
LEAN DELAWARE (-117).
Air Force didn’t get many calls and was just overall unimpressive against Bowling Green. It was outrebounded and recorded more turnovers.
While the turnover at Delaware is something to keep an eye on, Nelson Jr. has been a staple for the team over the past year, and he should be able to keep the Blue Hens rolling. He should be the best player on the court.
With what Air Force showed in its first game coupled with the play of Nelson Jr. to start the season, I would back Delaware.
Against the spread
PASS.
I would rather play the moneyline outright and pass on the potential drama with a 1.5-point spread.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 130.5 (-110).
Air Force isn’t an aggressive team. In its opener, it ended the game with just 4 free throw attempts. It shot just 40% from the field as well and hoisted up 55 shots.
Delaware did score 78, but against a Wilmington side that stood little chance with 4 of the Blue Hens’ 5 starters clocking over 25 minutes. Nelson stands at just 6-foot-1 as well, so he isn’t always capable of getting off easy looks.
Couple that with Delaware not having 4 of the 5 players that averaged double figures off last year’s roster, and I would back fewer points.
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