The East Tennessee State Buccaneers (9-4) go head-to-head against the Norfolk State Spartans (5-8) in the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational at Don Haskins Center. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. Norfolk State Spartans ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Spartans were blown out by the 19th-ranked Michigan Wolverines, 63-44, while the Buccaneers lost to the Georgia State Panthers, 74-68.
East Tennessee State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (52.9 vs. 40.5) while Norfolk State had a better turnover percentage (16.9 vs. 14.2). Nic Thomas had a solid outing for Norfolk State with nine points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, East Tennessee State was led by Isaiah Tisdale, who put up 19 points and five rebounds.
Jeromy Rodriguez has really been playing well as of late for East Tennessee State, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
Norfolk State might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the country’s best defenses. East Tennessee State ranks 26th in defensive efficiency, while the Spartans rank 286th in offensive efficiency. It could also be a sloppy game for the Buccaneers’ offense, which ranks 308th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.8 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Spartans, which forces the 36th-most turnovers in the nation (23.1 percent).
East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. Norfolk State Spartans ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- East Tennessee State averages 43.2 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the nation. Norfolk State ranks 200th in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
- The Buccaneers average 23.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 113th in the nation. The Spartans rank 176th in three pointers allowed per game (24.0).
- East Tennessee State averages 15.3 assists per game, which ranks 66th in the NCAA. Norfolk State ranks 120th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
- The Spartans rank 13th in steals allowed per game (4.5) while the Buccaneers rank 124th (6.8).
- Norfolk State averages 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 30th in the NCAA. East Tennessee State ranks 99th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 69.6 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.2 points per game (9.0 below their season average).
- The Buccaneers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.0, up from 13.1 for the season.
