Delaware vs Hofstra Picks and Odds

• The Delaware Blue Fightin’ Hens return to the court for the first time since January as they battle the defending champion Hofstra Pride in Colonial Tournament quarter-final action 
• Rust is a concern for Delaware after seeing their final eight regular season contests cancelled, while the Pride look to snap a two-game SU slide following a three-week layoff
• We’ve got you covered with all the odds and trends ahead of Sunday morning’s clash at Atlantic Union Bank Center

After seeing their regular season schedule cut dramatically by outbreaks of COVID-19, the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens return to action on Sunday for a Colonial Athletic Association Tournament quarter-final clash with the Hofstra Pride as 3-point underdogs.

Idle since January 31, the Hens closed out the campaign with a 5-4 SU record, earning them the No. 5 seed in the tournament. The Pride have also endured a long layoff, and hit the court for the first time in three weeks aiming to halt a two-game SU slide.

Here’s a look at all the odds and trends ahead of this CAA Tournament matchup, set for 11:00 am ET on Sunday morning at Atlantic Union Bank Center.

Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens vs Hofstra Pride Odds

Odds taken March 6th from FoxBet

Hens Return Following Lost Season

COVID-19 outbreaks within their own program, and among scheduled opposing teams, have devastated the Fightin’ Blue Hens’ season. Delaware has been limited to just 14 total games, compiling a 5-4 SU record in nine conference matchups. They’ll likely face a huge challenge to maintain the momentum that earned them SU wins in their final three outings in late January.

That 3-0 SU run signaled a positive turn in a bumpy road for the Hens, who had failed to record consecutive victories during a dismal 4-7 overall start.

#BlueHens men's basketball games against @DrexelMBB this Thursday and Saturday and vs. @JMUMBasketball Feb. 20-21 "have been postponed due to CoVID-19 protocols within the Delaware program," according to @CAASports #CAAHoops

— kevintresolini (@kevintresolini) February 9, 2021

Not surprisingly, the team faces tempered expectations, as they enter the tournament sitting well off the pace, with +1100 odds to lift the trophy for the first time since 2014. Rust is likely to be a factor, considering the Fightin’ Blue Hens have had minimal opportunities to practice without key personnel missing.

Men's #CAAHoops First Team All-CAA@jmumbasketball's Matt Lewis@delawarembb's Dylan Painter@hofstrambb's Jalen Ray@gonumbasketball's Tyson Walker@drexelmbb's Camren Wynter pic.twitter.com/cuRxZnRVek

— CAA Basketball (@CAABasketball) March 5, 2021

But this Delaware is not without talent. Senior big man Dylan Painter earned All-CAA First Team honors while racking up 11.6 rebounds per game, fifth best in the nation. And another senior, Ryan Allen, earned himself All-CAA third team honors after leading the team with 15.4 points and 2.8 assists per game.

Pride Aim to Defend Title

The defending Colonial Tournament champion Pride also have some work to do to get back into game shape. The team last saw action on February 14, when they dropped 74-70 decision on the road to James Madison.

Back-to-back losses to the Dukes that weekend snapped the Pride’s five-game SU win streak, which proved key to their finish in fourth place in the conference standings.

MBB: Hofstra Pauses Team Activities pic.twitter.com/WOzAAfTaGX

— Hofstra Men's Basketball (@HofstraMBB) February 15, 2021

Now set to open the tourney as an attractive +500 bet to repeat, Hofstra has work to do to overcome its inconsistency on the road during the regular season. The Pride stumbled to a 3-4 SU record in seven away contests in conference play, and have been even more unreliable at the sportsbooks.

After failing to cover in their two recent road losses to the Dukes, the team now sports a dismal 3-9 ATS record in their past 12 overall, including a 2-5 ATS mark in games played away from home hardwood at Mack Sports Complex.

Hofstra clinches first NCAA tournament bid since 2001 with CAA title https://t.co/cwKYQVmm7j pic.twitter.com/8V8iskbuYq

— New York Post (@nypost) March 11, 2020

However, the Pride have been a steady bet when favored by four or fewer points, compiling a solid 19-2 SU and ATS record in 21 outings since February 2018. That level of success extends to recent clashes with the Hens, with Hofstra earning the win in 14 of 17 overall meetings.

The squad is also a perfect 9-0 SU and 8-1 all-time vs Delaware while favored by four or fewer points. And considering the long road that Delaware has to travel in such a short time to get back to playoff shape, expect that trend to continue on Sunday morning.

The Picks: Pride -3 (-110); UNDER 137.5 (-110)