The Norfolk State Spartans (13-10, 8-0 MEAC) and the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (10-13, 5-4 MEAC) square off at Moore Gym. The Spartans look to prolong their eight-game winning streak. The game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Norfolk State Spartans at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Wildcats were victorious over the North Carolina A&T Aggies 69-53, while the Spartans edged the Howard Bison 80-78.
The Spartans had a turnover percentage of 10.6 (better than their season average of 18.8) and had a free throw rate of 0.365 (above their season average of 0.279). The Wildcats, on the other hand, had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 47.1 (above their season average of 33.9) and held the Aggies to an effective field goal percentage of 0.395 (below their season average of 0.535). Bethune-Cookman rallied around Cletrell Pope, who contributed 10 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jordan Butler was a key piece for Norfolk State with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Derrik Jamerson Jr. led the Spartans to a 75-68 win. He scored a game-high 26 points. Norfolk State’s 0.545 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Bethune-Cookman, who had a rate of 0.491.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Bethune-Cookman offense. Bethune-Cookman ranks 308th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.4 percent), while the pesky defense of Norfolk State forces the 53rd-most turnovers in the country (21.8 percent).
Norfolk State Spartans at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Free Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Norfolk State, ATS Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Bethune-Cookman ranks ninth in rebounds per game (41.5) while Norfolk State ranks 177th in rebounds allowed per game (35.6).
- The Wildcats rank 87th in assists per game (14.5) while the Spartans rank 138th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
- Norfolk State ranks 190th in three pointers attempted per game (21.2) while Bethune-Cookman ranks 237th (19.7).
- The Spartans rank 23rd in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Wildcats rank 148th (6.9).
- Norfolk State ranks 39th in blocks per game (4.4) while Bethune-Cookman ranks 140th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 3.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (6.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
