The North Carolina Central Eagles (10-11, 5-2 MEAC) will be at Moore Gym to go head-to-head with the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (8-13, 3-4 MEAC) in a MEAC matchup. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
North Carolina Central Eagles vs. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Wildcats fell to the Coppin State Eagles, 95-91, while the Eagles were victorious over the Savannah State Tigers, 82-78.
North Carolina Central played a nearly flawless game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 37.5 (above their season average of 34.1) and a free throw rate of 0.281 (above their season average of 0.214). Savannah State recorded marks of 10.8 and 0.194, respectively, for those same stats. Bethune-Cookman, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (14.3 vs. 16.7). Bethune-Cookman received a boost from Cletrell Pope, who finished with 14 points and 16 rebounds. Meanwhile, Raasean Davis played a pivotal role for North Carolina Central with 23 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Davis led the Eagles to a 68-59 victory. He notched a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. North Carolina Central’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Bethune-Cookman. The Eagles had a rate of 0.315, while the Wildcats posted a mark of 0.214.
Bethune-Cookman might have trouble scoring as they face off against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. North Carolina Central currently ranks 67th in defensive efficiency, while the Wildcats rank 293rd in offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Eagles rank 39th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.3 percent), while the Wildcats rank 265th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.8 percent).
North Carolina Central Eagles vs. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina Central, ATS Winner – North Carolina Central, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- North Carolina Central ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.4) while Bethune-Cookman ranks 255th (38.2).
- The Wildcats rank 216th in three pointers attempted per game (20.3) while the Eagles rank 240th (19.5).
- Bethune-Cookman ranks 78th in blocks per game (3.8) while North Carolina Central ranks 89th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
- The Eagles average 15.3 assists per game, which ranks 55th in the nation. The Wildcats rank 194th in assists allowed per game (14.4).
- North Carolina Central averages 6.9 steals per game, which ranks 87th in the country. Bethune-Cookman ranks 151st in steals allowed per game (7.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.8, up from 0.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
