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50%
Top Probability
$0.00
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1
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1
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About This Event
This event is for the CBB game between New Haven Chargers and Chicago State Cougars on January 19 at 7:00 PM ET.
If the game is postponed, this market will remain open until the game has been completed.
If the game is canceled entirely, with no make-up game, this market will resolve 50-50.
AI-generated analysis based on market data. Not financial advice.
The January 19, 2025, men's college basketball game between the New Haven Chargers and the Chicago State Cougars is a non-conference matchup featuring two Division I programs from different regions of the country. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM Eastern Time at a location to be determined. This contest is part of the broader 2024-2025 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, where teams compete for postseason tournament berths and conference championships. The New Haven Chargers, representing the University of New Haven, compete in the Northeast Conference (NEC), while the Chicago State Cougars, representing Chicago State University, are an independent program after leaving the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2022. This game represents a rare intersection between these two programs with distinct institutional profiles and athletic trajectories. The outcome will impact each team's overall record and metrics used for postseason evaluation, such as the NCAA's NET rankings. For Chicago State, as an independent, every non-conference game carries significant weight in building a resume without the benefit of a conference tournament automatic bid. For New Haven, a strong performance against a fellow Division I opponent can bolster its standing within the NEC. The game's inclusion on a prediction market platform reflects growing interest in wagering on college basketball beyond power conferences, where individual matchups can present unique analytical challenges and opportunities for bettors assessing team strength, player matchups, and coaching strategies.
Historical Context
The historical context of this matchup is defined by the distinct evolutionary paths of the two basketball programs. The University of New Haven began its transition from NCAA Division II to Division I in 2018, officially joining the Northeast Conference for the 2018-2019 season. This move was part of a strategic institutional decision to elevate its athletic and academic profile. The Chargers' rise culminated in a historic 2023-2024 season where they won the NEC regular-season title with a 12-4 conference record, establishing themselves as a competitive force in their new division. In contrast, Chicago State University has a longer but more turbulent history in Division I. The Cougars joined the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2013 after periods in the Mid-Continent Conference and the Great West Conference. However, facing geographic isolation and financial strain, Chicago State announced its departure from the WAC in 2022 to become an independent, a rare and challenging status in modern Division I basketball. This independence means the Cougars must schedule all their games individually without the framework of a conference slate, making every non-conference game like this one against New Haven critically important for building a complete season schedule and competitive resume. The two schools have no significant prior competitive history, making this a novel intersection between a rising program in a stable conference and a program navigating the unique complexities of independence.
Why It Matters
This game matters significantly for the trajectory of both basketball programs and the institutions they represent. For Chicago State, every game as an independent is an opportunity to prove the program's viability and competitiveness to potential future conference suitors, recruits, and its own community. Positive results can help stabilize a program that has faced existential questions. For the University of New Haven, success against all Division I opponents, including independents, validates its investment in the Division I transition and strengthens its case for potential at-large consideration in postseason tournaments, which can bring visibility and revenue. Beyond the court, these games have economic implications for the athletic departments. Guarantee money from playing road games at larger programs is a key revenue source for schools like Chicago State, while home games generate ticket and concession sales. The social impact is felt on campus, where athletic success can boost student morale, alumni engagement, and community pride, particularly for urban institutions like Chicago State and New Haven that serve as anchors in their respective cities. The outcome influences the perceptions of current players, recruits, and donors about the direction and health of each program.
Current Status
As of the lead-up to the January 19, 2025, matchup, both teams are engaged in their non-conference schedules for the 2024-2025 season. The specific venue for the game has not been publicly announced in available information, though it is likely to be hosted by Chicago State as part of their home scheduling. Both coaching staffs are finalizing their rosters through the offseason transfer portal and recruiting period. The game is listed on preliminary schedules and is expected to be played as scheduled barring any unforeseen circumstances. Prediction markets have opened on the outcome, reflecting early betting interest in a matchup between a conference champion and an independent program seeking a statement win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conference does New Haven play in?
The University of New Haven Chargers compete in the Northeast Conference (NEC) for men's basketball. They joined the NEC in 2018 as part of their transition from NCAA Division II to Division I athletics.
Why is Chicago State an independent in basketball?
Chicago State left the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2022 due to geographic isolation from other member schools and significant financial pressures. As an independent, they are not affiliated with any conference and must schedule all games individually.
Have New Haven and Chicago State ever played each other before?
There is no record of a previous men's basketball game between the University of New Haven Chargers and the Chicago State Cougars. The January 2025 game will be their first known meeting.
How can Chicago State make the NCAA Tournament as an independent?
As an independent, Chicago State can only reach the NCAA Tournament by receiving an at-large bid, which is highly competitive and based on their overall season resume. They do not have access to an automatic bid awarded to conference tournament champions.
Where will the New Haven vs. Chicago State game be played?
The specific venue for the January 19, 2025, game has not been formally announced. Based on typical non-conference scheduling, it is likely to be hosted by Chicago State University at the Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center in Chicago, Illinois.
What time is the New Haven vs. Chicago State basketball game?
The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday, January 19, 2025. This would be 6:00 PM Central Time at Chicago State's location.
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Updated Jan 14, 2026
Educational content is AI-generated and sourced from Wikipedia. It should not be considered financial advice.
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