The Norfolk State Spartans (4-8) go head-to-head against the UTEP Miners (4-5) in the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational at Don Haskins Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.
Norfolk State Spartans vs. UTEP Miners ATS Prediction
The Spartans are trying to rebound after their 63-44 loss to the No. 19 Michigan Wolverines in their last contest. One of Michigan’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They made 29 trips to the line, while Norfolk State went just 11 times. Nic Thomas led Norfolk State in scoring with nine points on 4-for-8 shooting.
In the Miners’ previous outing, they had no trouble getting past the Texas-Permian Basin Falcons, 90-63. UTEP launched 23 three pointers, making 11 of them (47.8 percent). Texas-Permian Basin, meanwhile, was just 3-15 (20.0 percent). Evan Gilyard was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field.
It might be an error-filled game for the UTEP offense. Since the 2017-18 season, UTEP ranks 344th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.3 percent), while the gambling defense of Norfolk State has forced the 40th-most turnovers in the country (21.5 percent).
Norfolk State Spartans at UTEP Miners Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Utep, ATS Winner – UTEP, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Norfolk State ranks 37th in blocks per game (3.8) while UTEP ranks 152nd (2.8).
The Spartans rank 13th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Miners rank 104th (5.7).
UTEP ranks 111th in rebounds per game (34.4) while Norfolk State ranks 195th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
The Miners rank 47th in assists allowed per game (12.4) while the Spartans rank 131st (14.2).
Norfolk State ranks 191st in three pointers attempted per game (21.2) while UTEP ranks 237th (20.8).
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