The North Carolina Central Eagles (17-15, 11-7 MEAC) square off against the Morgan State Bears (13-18, 9-9 MEAC) in the Mid-Eastern Conference Tourney at Norfolk Scope Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018.
Morgan State Bears vs. North Carolina Central Eagles ATS Prediction
The Bears will be looking for similar success after barely hanging on to beat the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats in their last matchup, 78-77. Morgan State’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Bethune-Cookman. The Bears had a rate of 9.6 (better than their season average of 16.7), while the Wildcats posted a mark of 16.9. With 31 points on 8-for-22 shooting, Tiwian Kendley was the top scorer from either team.
In the Eagles’ last game, they barely escaped the Savannah State Tigers, 58-56. North Carolina Central’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Eagles had more offensive rebounds (18 vs. 13), defensive rebounds (36 vs. 29) and total rebounds (54 vs. 42). With 16 points and 20 rebounds, North Carolina Central’s Raasean Davis had a solid game.
North Carolina Central could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they go head-to-head against one of the worst offenses in the nation. The Eagles currently rank 60th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.483), while Morgan State is 336th in effective field goal percentage (0.459).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Davis put up 18 points and 11 rebounds and the Eagles defeated the Bears 77-63. The Eagles’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Bears. North Carolina Central had a rate of 33.3, while Morgan State posted a mark of 20.0.
Morgan State Bears vs. North Carolina Central Eagles Free Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Morgan State, ATS Winner – Morgan State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
North Carolina Central ranks 50th in assists per game (15.6) while Morgan State ranks 220th (12.3).
The Eagles rank 48th in rebounds per game (38.2) while the Bears rank 204th in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
North Carolina Central ranks 50th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Morgan State ranks 162nd (3.9).
The Eagles rank 29th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Bears rank 132nd (6.3).
North Carolina Central ranks 255th in three pointers attempted per game (18.6) while Morgan State ranks 299th (15.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 2.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.0 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
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