Week 4 in college lacrosse starts with a loaded Friday slate and I’m targeting two games in particular. While there are a lot of high-profile matchups, I’m looking more off the beaten path for my Friday picks.
Note: The odds presented below are those at the time when Hutton sends his picks out to DubClub subscribers and are subject to change. Subscribe to Hutton Jackson’s lacrosse picks on DubClub so you never miss out on the best odds for these picks. As soon as Hutton places a bet, you’ll immediately get a notification with both the pick and brief analysis. Picks are sent out at least 20 minutes in advance of articles published on Bet On Lacrosse.
Lehigh at Villanova
 Lehigh Moneyline/Spread | +170 / +2.5 |
 Villanova Moneyline/Spread | -220 / -2.5 |
| Total | 21.5 |
| Time | Friday · 4 p.m. ET |
| TV | Flo Sports |
Odds via bet365
Lehigh travels to Villanova still seeking its first win. While the Wildcats ran away with a win last season, I think the Mountain Hawks will keep this game a bit closer. Yet, rather than bet a side, I’m targeting the total of 21.5.
While this total is already low, the sportsbooks are usually hesitant to go lower than 21.5 with 20.5s and 19.5s very rare. Yet, this game could very well see neither team reach double digits. Both Lehigh and Villanova have struggled offensively. The Wildcats couldn’t muster more than five goals in either of their losses and they were extremely opportunistic in transition in their 13-11 win over Yale. I’m not sure they’ll be able to have as much success against a much better Lehigh defense that ranks 23rd in adjusted defensive efficiency excluding garbage time according to Lacrosse Reference. While 0-4, only Cornell’s second-ranked offense managed to score more than 10 goals against Lehigh.
Meanwhile, Lehigh’s offense has averaged 7.75 goals through four games and is facing a Villanova defense that I think is better than they’ve appeared. Villanova got shelled against Colgate’s top-20 offense last week, but ranked 16th in adjusted defensive efficiency a year ago. I expect their defense to play better against a struggling Lehigh and they should see fewer defensive possessions thanks to their faceoff advantage. While Villanova likes to play fast on offense, they rank 66th in offensive efficiency and should struggle against Lehigh.
Trust these two defenses and bet this game to stay Under 21.5 at -110 on bet365.
Pick: Under 21.5
Marist at Denver
 Marist Moneyline/Spread | +1500 / +6.5 |
 Denver Moneyline/Spread | -5000 / -6.5 |
| Total | 22.5 |
| Time | Friday · 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | MidCoSports+ |
Odds via BetMGM
Denver is back at home after losing to Cornell, 5-15. While it was a poor showing from the Pios, the game got away from them early on and Cornell’s offense is second in adjusted offensive efficiency for a reason. I expect the Pioneers to bounce back with a big win against the visiting Marist.
Last week was the first real poor showing from the Denver defense, but Cornell got off to a quick 8-1 lead and the multiple goalie changes Matt Brown made didn’t let this defense ever get in rhythm. This week, they’ll get to face a Marist offense that is solid, but not nearly as lethal as the Big Red. Denver should be able to force turnovers and turn those into scoring chances.
I also trust Denver’s offense to capitalize on what should be a possession advantage based on this faceoff matchup. The travel for Marist could also be a factor and lead to a slow start for the Red Foxes. This spread is as high as 8.5 at some sportsbooks, but BetMGM is currently offering a 6.5-point spread.
Expect the Pioneers to get a big win in their first game of a doubleheader weekend. Bet Denver -6.5 at -110 on BetMGM.
Pick: Denver -6.5
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