The Norfolk State Spartans (10-10, 5-0 MEAC) look to lengthen their five-game winning streak against the South Carolina State Bulldogs (4-16, 2-2 MEAC) at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Center. The game begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, January 21, 2019.
Norfolk State Spartans at South Carolina State Bulldogs ATS Prediction
The Spartans come in on a high note after topping the Savannah State Tigers in their last game, 82-76. The Spartans, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.8, had a ridiculous mark of 36.1, while the Tigers had a free throw rate of 0.156 (below the 0.280 mark opponents have averaged against Norfolk State this season). With 21 points on 7-for-12 shooting, Nic Thomas was the top scorer from either team.
In the Bulldogs’ previous outing, they fell to the Howard Bison, 71-67. Howard’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over South Carolina State. The Bison had a rate of 0.500 (above their season average of 0.472), while the Bulldogs posted a mark of 0.400 (below their season average of 0.467). With 26 points on 6-for-6 shooting, Damni Applewhite was the game’s leading scorer.
The physical South Carolina State offense might be living from the charity stripe in this showdown. The Bulldogs currently rank 45th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.283, while Norfolk State is among the nation’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 301st-ranked FTA rate of 0.273).
After the Spartans won both contests against the Bulldogs last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, Norfolk State won 76-62. Norfolk State’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Spartans had 15 offensive rebounds and 39 total rebounds, while the Bulldogs had 10 and 27, respectively.
Norfolk State Spartans at South Carolina State Bulldogs Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Norfolk State ranks 39th in blocks per game (4.5) while South Carolina State ranks 178th (2.0).
The Spartans rank 198th in three pointers attempted per game (21.1) while the Bulldogs rank 289th (16.8).
Norfolk State ranks 182nd in assists per game (12.6) while South Carolina State ranks 249th (10.4).
The Spartans and Bulldogs rank 48th in steals allows per game (5.5).
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The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 2.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (3.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (4.3 below their season average).
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