The South Carolina State Bulldogs (8-8, 3-1 MEAC) welcome the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (2-17, 1-3 MEAC) to Smith-Hammond-Middleton Center. The Hawks can put an end to a 14-game road losing streak. Action starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, January 20, 2020.
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks vs. South Carolina State Bulldogs Betting Odds
In their last game, the Bulldogs beat the Florida A&M Rattlers, 81-65, while the Hawks fell to the Norfolk State Spartans, 62-52.
South Carolina State played a nearly flawless game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 41.7 (above their season average of 28.3) and a free throw rate of 0.469 (above their season average of 0.287). For those same stats, Florida A&M was 25.6 and 0.309, respectively. Maryland Eastern Shore, on the other hand, held Norfolk State to an effective field goal percentage of 0.429 (below their season average of 0.481). Damani Applewhite led the way for South Carolina State, finishing with 22 points and nine rebounds. AJ Cheeseman was a key piece for Maryland Eastern Shore with 15 points.
This was a highly contested series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Bulldogs won the last game 63-54. Getting to the free throw line was one of South Carolina State’s biggest strengths. They had 26 free throw attempts, while Maryland Eastern Shore had just 10. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The physical South Carolina State offense might be living from the foul line in this battle. The Bulldogs rank 11th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.297, while Maryland Eastern Shore is among the NCAA’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 277th-ranked FTA rate of 0.258).
Maryland Eastern Shore at South Carolina State Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – South Carolina State, ATS Winner – South Carolina State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- South Carolina State ranks 90th in rebounds allowed per game (33.7) while Maryland Eastern Shore ranks 262nd (39.5).
- The Hawks average 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 59th in the country. The Bulldogs rank 81st in steals allowed per game (6.1).
- Maryland Eastern Shore ranks 88th in blocks per game (3.5) while South Carolina State ranks 90th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
- The Hawks rank 119th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while the Bulldogs rank 262nd (17.9).
- South Carolina State ranks 195th in assists per game (11.8) while Maryland Eastern Shore ranks 237th (10.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 76.4 points per game (5.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (4.4 below their season average).
- The Hawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 19.2, up from 18.8 for the season.
