The Norfolk State Spartans (16-11, 11-1 MEAC) will be at Hill Field House to go head-to-head with the Morgan State Bears (8-16, 3-8 MEAC) in a MEAC matchup. The game gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
Norfolk State Spartans at Morgan State Bears ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Bears lost a close one to the Savannah State Tigers, 88-85, while the Spartans had no trouble getting past the North Carolina A&T Aggies, 76-58.
The Spartans held the Aggies to an effective field goal percentage of 0.373 (below their season average of 0.535) and had a turnover percentage of 12.4 (better than their season average of 18.2). Morgan State, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.3 (above their season average of 31.4). Morgan State was lifted by Stanley Davis, who put up 21 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Steven Whitley had a good outing for Norfolk State, putting up 15 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.
The Spartans won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 76-65. Norfolk State launched 18 three pointers, making 10 of them (55.6 percent), while Morgan State was 6-20 (30.0 percent). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
The ineffective offense of Morgan State will go head-to-head against the stingy defense of Norfolk State. The Bears currently rank 319th in offensive efficiency, while the Spartans are 58th in defensive efficiency. The Spartans figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. It could also be a mistake-prone game for the Spartans’ offense, which ranks 274th in ball security (turnover percentage of 20.3 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Bears, which forces the 18th-most turnovers in the country (23.3 percent).
Norfolk State Spartans at Morgan State Bears Free Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Norfolk State, ATS Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Norfolk State ranks 38th in blocks per game (4.4) while Morgan State ranks 217th (1.8).
- The Spartans rank 201st in three pointers attempted per game (20.9) while the Bears rank 284th (16.7).
- Norfolk State averages 12.9 assists per game, which ranks 173rd in the nation. Morgan State ranks 213th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
- The Spartans rank 171st in rebounds per game (35.2) while the Bears rank 291st in rebounds allowed per game (39.9).
- Morgan State ranks 41st in steals per game (7.7) while Norfolk State ranks 143rd (6.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 4.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (9.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.8 points per game (6.5 above their season average).
