The North Carolina Central Eagles (17-15, 12-6 MEAC) meet the Norfolk State Spartans (21-12, 16-2 MEAC) in the Mid-Eastern Conference Tourney at Norfolk Scope Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 16, 2019.
North Carolina Central Eagles vs. Norfolk State Spartans ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Spartans beat the Howard Bison 75-69, while the Eagles edged the North Carolina A&T Aggies 65-63.
North Carolina Central played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 14.5 (better than their season average of 19.2) and a free throw rate of 0.354 (above their season average of 0.235). For those same stats, North Carolina A&T recorded marks of 18.6 and 0.313, respectively. The Spartans, on the other hand, had a superb free throw rate of 0.293 (above their season average of 0.286) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.8 (above their season average of 27.8). Steven Whitley put together a good performance for Norfolk State with 24 points and five rebounds. Raasean Davis, meanwhile led the way for North Carolina Central, finishing with 19 points and six rebounds.
Norfolk State might struggle to put up points as they square off against one of the country’s best defenses. North Carolina Central ranks 64th in defensive efficiency, while the Spartans rank 208th in offensive efficiency. It could also be a mistake-prone game for the offense of the Eagles, which ranks 332nd in ball security (turnover percentage of 22.3 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Spartans, which forces the 39th-most turnovers in the country (21.7 percent).
North Carolina Central Eagles vs. Norfolk State Spartans Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Norfolk State, ATS Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- North Carolina Central ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.9) while Norfolk State ranks 187th (35.8).
- The Spartans rank 17th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Eagles rank 96th (6.0).
- Norfolk State ranks 207th in three pointers attempted per game (21.2) while North Carolina Central ranks 239th (20.3).
- The Eagles rank 35th in assists per game (15.6) while the Spartans rank 162nd (13.0).
- Norfolk State ranks 38th in blocks per game (4.4) while North Carolina Central ranks 161st (2.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (3.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.0 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
- The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.0, up from 5.1 for the season.
