A six-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the North Carolina Central Eagles (8-12, 4-2 MEAC) when they challenge the South Carolina State Bulldogs (9-10, 4-3 MEAC) at McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. North Carolina Central Eagles Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Eagles dismantled the Delaware State Hornets, 72-45, while the Bulldogs lost to the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, 78-74.
North Carolina Central played a nearly flawless game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.373 (above their season average of 0.208) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.520 (above their season average of 0.498). Delaware State put up marks of 0.131 and 0.303, respectively, for those same stats. South Carolina State, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 47.4 (above their season average of 28.6). Jibri Blount put together a solid game for North Carolina Central with 33 points, 10 rebounds and five steals. Damani Applewhite led the way for South Carolina State, putting up 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Eagles won the lone game between these two teams last season, 72-62. North Carolina Central’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over South Carolina State. The Eagles had a rate of 0.663 while the Bulldogs posted a mark of 0.464. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of South Carolina State. South Carolina State ranks 275th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.7 percent), while the disruptive defense of North Carolina Central forces the seventh-most turnovers in the country (26.3 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 – Over
Betting Notes:
- North Carolina Central ranks 12th in steals per game (9.4) while South Carolina State ranks 237th (4.5).
- The Eagles rank 133rd in assists per game (13.3) while the Bulldogs rank 227th (11.4).
- North Carolina Central ranks 243rd in three pointers attempted per game (18.4) while South Carolina State ranks 268th (17.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs have outscored opponents by an average of 4.4 points in their last five games. On the season, South Carolina State has been defeated by an average of 4.9 points.
- During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (2.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 60.4 points per game (4.8 below their season average).
