The North Carolina Central Eagles (14-14, 9-5 MEAC) wrap up their home schedule at McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium against the South Carolina State Bulldogs (7-22, 5-8 MEAC). Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, February 25, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.
South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. North Carolina Central Eagles ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Eagles defeated the Savannah State Tigers, 78-69, while the Bulldogs lost a tough one against the North Carolina A&T Aggies, 63-62.
North Carolina Central dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.355 (above their season average of 0.239) and a turnover percentage of 11.9 (better than their season average of 19.3). For those same stats, Savannah State had marks of 0.063 and 17.3, respectively. South Carolina State, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.245 vs. 0.077). Raasean Davis played well for North Carolina Central with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Damni Applewhite played well for South Carolina State, recording 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bulldogs won the lone game between these two teams last season, 102-79. Converting at the free throw line was one of South Carolina State’s largest advantages. They were 19-22 (86.4 percent), while the Eagles were just 14-21 (66.7 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of North Carolina Central. North Carolina Central ranks 326th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 22.3 percent), while the pesky defense of South Carolina State forces the 61st-most turnovers in the country (21.3 percent).
South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. North Carolina Central Eagles ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina Central, ATS Winner – North Carolina Central, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- North Carolina Central ranks 39th in assists per game (15.5) while South Carolina State ranks 260th (10.8).
- The Bulldogs rank 49th in steals allowed per game (5.6) while the Eagles rank 76th (5.9).
- The Eagles rank 64th in rebounds per game (37.6) while the Bulldogs rank 237th (33.5).
- North Carolina Central ranks 226th in three pointers attempted per game (20.3) while South Carolina State ranks 288th (17.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (3.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.0 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
- The Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.6, up from 5.6 for the season.
