The Norfolk State Spartans (13-10, 8-0 MEAC) put their eight-game winning streak on the line when they challenge the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (10-13, 5-4 MEAC) at Moore Gym. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Norfolk State Spartans vs. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats ATS Prediction
The last time the Spartans played, they beat the Howard Bison, 80-78. Norfolk State’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Howard. The Spartans had a rate of 10.6 (better than their season average of 18.8), while the Bison posted a mark of 20.8 (above their season average of 14.2). Norfolk State was lifted by Jordan Butler, who led the team in scoring with 21 points on 9-for-11 shooting.
The Wildcats defeated the North Carolina A&T Aggies in their last outing, 69-53. Bethune-Cookman’s 47.1 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over North Carolina A&T, who had a rate of 31.7. The Wildcats’ mark was above their season average of 33.9. With 10 points and 13 rebounds, Bethune-Cookman’s Cletrell Pope had a good performance.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Derrik Jamerson Jr. scored a game-high 26 points and the Spartans beat the Wildcats 75-68. He also recorded five rebounds. The Spartans had a better effective field goal percentage (0.545 vs. 0.491) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 31.3).
It could be an error-filled game for the Bethune-Cookman offense. Bethune-Cookman ranks 308th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.4 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Norfolk State forces the 53rd-most turnovers in the NCAA (21.8 percent).
Norfolk State Spartans at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Norfolk State, ATS Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Bethune-Cookman ranks ninth in rebounds per game (41.5) while Norfolk State ranks 177th in rebounds allowed per game (35.6).
The Spartans rank 23rd in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Wildcats rank 148th (6.9).
Norfolk State averages 4.4 blocks per game, which ranks 39th in the NCAA. Bethune-Cookman ranks 140th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
The Wildcats rank 87th in assists per game (14.5) while the Spartans rank 138th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
Norfolk State ranks 190th in three pointers attempted per game (21.2) while Bethune-Cookman ranks 237th (19.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 3.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (6.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
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