The UTEP Miners (4-5) will be in the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational at Don Haskins Center when they take on the Norfolk State Spartans (4-8). The game begins at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.
Norfolk State Spartans at UTEP Miners Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Miners dismantled the Texas-Permian Basin Falcons, 90-63, while the Spartans got blown out by the 19th-ranked Michigan Wolverines, 63-44.
The Miners had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.637 vs. 0.326) and had a much better free throw rate (0.490 vs. 0.261). Norfolk State, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (16.9 vs. 14.2). UTEP’s Evan Gilyard had a solid performance, recording 24 points and five assists. Meanwhile, Norfolk State received a boost from Nic Thomas, who finished with nine points and five rebounds.
This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of UTEP. Since last season, UTEP ranks 344th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.3 percent), while the pesky defense of Norfolk State has forced the 40th-most turnovers in the country (21.5 percent).
Norfolk State at UTEP Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Norfolk State, ATS Winner – UTEP, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Norfolk State ranks 37th in blocks per game (3.8) while UTEP ranks 152nd (2.8).
- The Miners rank 47th in assists allowed per game (12.4) while the Spartans rank 131st (14.2).
- Norfolk State ranks 191st in three pointers attempted per game (21.2) while UTEP ranks 237th (20.8).
- The Spartans rank 13th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Miners rank 104th (5.7).
- UTEP ranks 111th in rebounds per game (34.4) while Norfolk State ranks 195th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
