Colgate Raiders vs Lehigh Mountain Hawks Picks and Predictions for Sunday March 8 2026
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The Colgate Raiders travel to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to face the Lehigh Mountain Hawks in the Patriot League Championship Semifinal on Sunday afternoon. The game will be played at Stabler Arena with tip-off scheduled for 12:00 PM and the broadcast available on CBSSN. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. For additional analysis and daily betting insights, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks.
Raiders Searching for Offensive Consistency
Colgate enters this Patriot League semifinal matchup with an 18-14 overall record and an 11-7 mark in Patriot League play. The Raiders have been competitive throughout the season but have experienced some ups and downs during the final stretch of the regular season. In their last five games, Colgate has recently won over Loyola Maryland 90-77, recently lost to Navy 85-69, recently lost to Lafayette 70-69, recently won over Loyola Maryland 101-98 in overtime, and recently lost to Boston University 85-58.
Offensively, the Raiders have been one of the more productive scoring teams in the conference, averaging 76.7 points per game while shooting 48 percent from the field. They also average 14.7 assists per game, showing their ability to move the ball effectively and create quality scoring opportunities. Colgate averages 34.2 rebounds per contest and contributes defensively with 3.1 blocks and 5.9 steals per game.
A key strength for Colgate has been their ability to push the tempo and create high-scoring games. When their offense is working efficiently, they can score quickly and put pressure on opposing defenses. However, their defense has allowed 74.6 points per game this season, which has led to several close contests. If the Raiders want to advance, they will likely need a strong shooting performance and improved defensive effort.
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Mountain Hawks Riding Momentum
Lehigh comes into this semifinal matchup with a 16-16 overall record and an 11-7 Patriot League record. The Mountain Hawks have been playing some of their best basketball recently, winning several games down the stretch to build confidence heading into the conference tournament. Over their last five games, Lehigh has recently won over Holy Cross 69-66, recently won over Bucknell 89-79, recently won over American 78-73, recently won over Boston University 70-67, and recently lost to Navy 72-49.
The Mountain Hawks average 73.1 points per game this season while allowing 74.6 points per game. They shoot 46 percent from the field and average 14.3 assists per contest, demonstrating solid offensive execution when their shooters are finding rhythm. Lehigh also averages 31.7 rebounds per game while contributing defensively with 3.3 blocks and 6.8 steals per game.
One area where Lehigh has improved recently is their defensive activity and ability to generate turnovers. The Mountain Hawks average 6.8 steals per game, which has helped them disrupt opposing offenses and create transition opportunities. If Lehigh can continue applying defensive pressure and maintain their recent offensive rhythm, they could present a serious challenge in this semifinal game.
Colgate Raiders vs Lehigh Mountain Hawks Pick
Colgate Raiders vs Lehigh Mountain Hawks Pick
- Colgate Raiders - Spread
Colgate enters this matchup with the more explosive offense, averaging nearly 77 points per game while shooting 48 percent from the field. The Raiders have shown the ability to play in high-scoring games and often perform well when they can push the tempo. Their scoring depth could give them the edge against a Lehigh defense that has allowed over 74 points per game this season.
While Lehigh has been playing solid basketball lately, Colgate’s offensive firepower and rebounding advantage could make the difference in this matchup. If the Raiders can limit turnovers and continue their efficient shooting, they should be able to create enough separation to cover the spread and advance in the Patriot League tournament.
Colgate Raiders vs Lehigh Mountain Hawks Total Pick
- Over #
I like the over in this matchup because both teams have shown the ability to score in bunches. Colgate averages nearly 77 points per game and often plays at a pace that leads to higher scoring contests. When their offense is flowing, they can push totals upward quickly.
Lehigh has also been involved in several higher-scoring games recently, including their win over Bucknell where they scored 89 points. With both teams capable of generating offense and neither defense consistently shutting opponents down, I expect this game to feature plenty of scoring opportunities.
Final Score Prediction: Colgate Raiders 79, Lehigh Mountain Hawks 73
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