The North Carolina Central Eagles (12-13, 7-4 MEAC) will be at Echols Hall to meet the Norfolk State Spartans (14-11, 9-1 MEAC) in a MEAC matchup. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
North Carolina Central Eagles vs. Norfolk State Spartans Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Spartans were victorious over the Florida A&M Rattlers 66-54, while the Eagles won big over the Delaware State Hornets 87-52.
North Carolina Central played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.203 (matching their season average) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.578 (above their season average of 0.510). Delaware State had marks of 0.090 and 0.343, respectively, for those same stats. The Spartans, meanwhile, held the Rattlers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.390 (below their season average of 0.503) and had a better turnover percentage (17.5 vs. 19.4). Nic Thomas had a good game for Norfolk State, recording 26 points. Zacarry Douglas, meanwhile played a pivotal role for North Carolina Central with 19 points and nine rebounds.
The Eagles won the sole game between these two teams last season, 64-63. North Carolina Central had a much better free throw rate (0.302 vs. 0.117). Norfolk State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.5 vs. 30.6). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The offense of Norfolk State will clash against the stingy defense of North Carolina Central. The Spartans currently rank 232nd in offensive efficiency, while the Eagles are 54th in defensive efficiency. The Eagles should have the advantage on that side of the ball. Moreover, the Eagles rank 326th in turnover percentage (22.4 percent), while the Spartans rank 44th in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.1 percent).
North Carolina Central vs. Norfolk State Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Norfolk State, ATS Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- North Carolina Central ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.7) while Norfolk State ranks 183rd (35.7).
- The Spartans rank 17th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Eagles rank 77th (5.9).
- Norfolk State ranks 201st in three pointers attempted per game (21.0) while North Carolina Central ranks 235th (19.9).
- The Eagles rank 43rd in assists per game (15.5) while the Spartans rank 177th (12.6).
- Norfolk State ranks 44th in blocks per game (4.3) while North Carolina Central ranks 145th (2.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, up from 5.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 76.8 points per game (3.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
