The Norfolk State Spartans (4-11) welcome the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (6-8) to Echols Hall. The Wildcats will try to end a six-game road losing streak. Action begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats vs. Norfolk State Spartans Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last game. The Spartans fell to the Stony Brook Seawolves, 81-65, while the Wildcats were defeated by the Saint Louis Billikens, 77-67.
Bethune-Cookman held Saint Louis to an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.3 (below their season average of 36.6) while Norfolk State had a turnover percentage of 12.9 (better than their season average of 18.5). Norfolk State’s Steven Whitley played well, finishing with 14 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Cletrell Pope fueled Bethune-Cookman with 11 points and 19 rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Wildcats won the most recent contest 84-76. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Bethune-Cookman’s largest advantages. They had 39 free throw attempts, while Norfolk State had just 23. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
It could be a sloppy game for the Norfolk State offense. Norfolk State ranks 275th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.0 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Bethune-Cookman forces the 84th-most turnovers in the country (21.8 percent).
Bethune-Cookman vs. Norfolk State Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Norfolk State, ATS Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Bethune-Cookman ranks 49th in rebounds per game (39.4) while Norfolk State ranks 148th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
- The Spartans average 8.3 steals per game, which ranks 47th in the nation. The Wildcats rank 96th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
- Bethune-Cookman averages 12.6 assists per game, which ranks 149th in the country. Norfolk State ranks 190th in assists allowed per game (14.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 56.8 points per game (10.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (0.3 above their season average).
- The Wildcats have been outscored by an average of 5.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Bethune-Cookman has defeated opponents by an average of 2.4 points.
