It will be a battle between MEAC opponents when the Norfolk State Spartans (8-10, 3-0 MEAC) welcome the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (6-10, 1-1 MEAC) to Echols Hall. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, January 14, 2019.
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats vs. Norfolk State Spartans ATS Prediction
The Wildcats come in on a high note after topping the Howard Bison in their last matchup, 71-63. Bethune-Cookman’s 0.517 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Howard, who had a mark of 0.329. The Wildcats’ mark was above their season average of 0.480, while the Bison’s was below their season average of 0.484. Bethune-Cookman rallied around Cletrell Pope, who had 13 points and 12 rebounds.
In the Spartans’ previous matchup, they were victorious over the Coppin State Eagles, 80-66. The Spartans forced 17 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.604 (above their season average of 0.498). With 13 points and 11 rebounds, Norfolk State’s Derrik Jamerson Jr. had a solid game.
After the Spartans won both meetings against the Wildcats last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Norfolk State won 83-79. Norfolk State had a better turnover percentage (15.1 vs. 17.4). Bethune-Cookman, on the other hand, did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (29-41; 70.7 percent).
The physical Norfolk State offense could be living from the free throw line in this showdown. The Spartans rank 64th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.275, while Bethune-Cookman ranks 201st in FTA rate allowed (0.238).
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats vs. Norfolk State Spartans Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Bethune-Cookman ranks 14th in rebounds per game (41.4) while Norfolk State ranks 182nd in rebounds allowed per game (36.5).
The Spartans average 4.6 blocks per game, which ranks 40th in the NCAA. The Wildcats rank 134th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
Norfolk State ranks 36th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Bethune-Cookman ranks 129th (6.8).
The Wildcats rank 186th in three pointers attempted per game (20.9) while the Spartans rank 187th in three pointers allowed per game (24.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.0, up from 1.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 73.0 points per game (0.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
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