Fordham Basketball Faces New Haven: Odds, Key Players, and Defensive Edge

Fordham vs New Haven: Betting Odds and Game Overview

On December 22, 2025, the Fordham Rams will host the New Haven Chargers at home in the Bronx, NY, with tip-off set for 11 a.m. ET. Fordham enters the matchup as clear favorites, with sportsbooks setting the spread at -14.5 and the over/under hovering around 127 points, according to Bleacher Nation and Action Network.

• Fordham’s moneyline sits at -1800, reflecting strong confidence in their ability to secure a win.
• New Haven, meanwhile, faces +920 odds, with bookmakers predicting an uphill battle for the Chargers.

Both teams have followed contrasting trajectories this season. Fordham boasts an 8-4 record, while New Haven stands at 5-6 and has struggled on the road, dropping their last three away games.

Team Trends and Statistical Insights

Fordham’s identity this season is built around elite defense and rebounding. The Rams allow just 62.5 points per game, ranking eighth nationally, and they collect an impressive 38.7 rebounds per contest—17th in the country. This creates a +166 scoring differential, with Fordham outscoring opponents by nearly 14 points on average.

Offensively, Fordham averages 76.3 points per game. The Rams operate at a slow, deliberate pace, often keeping possession counts low and controlling the rhythm of the game. Their three-point shooting stands at 31.3%, with Marcus Greene leading the team at 1.6 made threes per game.

In contrast, New Haven’s transition to Division I basketball has been rocky. The Chargers have won just two games against Division I opponents, and their offense is inconsistent, averaging 68.5 points per game. Defensively, New Haven concedes 66.2 points per contest, and their rebounding (32.1 per game) is well below Fordham’s standards.

The Chargers are among the nation’s weakest teams in three-point shooting, hitting just 30% from deep and lacking a true facilitator to create open looks. Second-chance opportunities are rare, as New Haven has struggled to contest in the paint and corral rebounds.

Key Players to Watch

Fordham’s success is anchored by standout performances from several key players:

• Dejour Reaves: The team’s leading scorer, averaging 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Reaves also leads Fordham in steals (1.6 per game).
• Rikus Schulte: Dominant on the boards, grabbing 9.4 rebounds per contest and contributing 0.8 blocks per game.
• Christian Henry: The Rams’ top distributor, with 5.7 assists per game, and a reliable presence in half-court sets.
• Marcus Greene: Provides spacing with 1.6 made threes per game.

For New Haven, Jabri Fitzpatrick stands out as the top scorer (13.1 points per game) and steals leader (2.2 per game), but he faces challenges in consistency and shot creation. Andre Pasha leads the team in rebounds (5.6 per game) and contributes across the board, while Najimi George is the most reliable three-point shooter (1.2 made threes per game).

Defensive Matchup and Game Analysis

This contest is widely viewed as a mismatch. Fordham’s defensive structure is designed to stifle opponents, particularly those with limited offensive firepower. The Rams’ ability to defend without fouling—ranking eighth nationally in defensive free-throw rate—means New Haven will struggle to earn easy points at the line.

Expect Fordham to force the Chargers deep into the shot clock, resulting in low-percentage mid-range attempts or turnovers. The Rams have recently held teams like Fairleigh Dickinson and Manhattan under 55 points, and New Haven’s offensive woes suggest a similar outcome is likely.

On offense, look for Reaves and Henry to attack the rim and generate scoring opportunities, either finishing at the basket or drawing fouls. Schulte and Akira Jacobs should capitalize on missed shots for second-chance points, further widening the gap on the scoreboard.

Both Bleacher Nation and Action Network predict a comfortable Fordham win, with final score projections like 72-60 and expert picks suggesting a margin of 12-15 points in favor of the Rams. The pace will be slow, and Fordham’s defensive dominance should be the story of the day.

• Fordham is 0-1 against the spread when favored by 14.5 points or more, while New Haven is 3-1 as an underdog of that magnitude.
• The Rams’ ATS record stands at 5-4-0, and the Chargers are 5-3-0 against the spread.

Atlantic 10 Context and What’s Next

While Fordham continues to sharpen its defense in non-conference play, the Atlantic 10 conference itself is drawing attention for standout performances elsewhere. Players like Maggie Doogan (Richmond) and Kory Mincy (George Mason) have earned multiple A-10 Player of the Week honors, highlighting the league’s depth and competitiveness.

For Fordham, a win against New Haven would solidify their defensive reputation and set the stage for conference play, where every possession and every rebound will matter even more.

Fordham’s blend of disciplined defense, rebounding dominance, and steady leadership from Reaves and Henry puts them in the driver’s seat for this matchup. While New Haven is still building toward Division I competitiveness, the Rams’ ability to control pace and deny second-chance opportunities makes this a game where Fordham can showcase the strengths that may carry them deep into the A-10 season.