The Texas Southern Tigers (15-19) challenge the North Carolina Central Eagles (19-15) in the First Four at University of Dayton Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.
Texas Southern Tigers vs. North Carolina Central Eagles Betting Prediction
The Tigers come in on a high note after defeating the UAPB Golden Lions in the, 84-69. Texas Southern was effective at getting and making free throws. The Tigers made 22 of their 26 free throws (84.6 percent), while the Golden Lions were just 16-24 (66.7 percent). With 17 points on 7-for-7 shooting, Trayvon Reed was Texas Southern’s high scorer.
In the Eagles beat the Hampton Pirates, 71-63. The Eagles knocked down 14 of their 18 free throws (77.8 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.5 (above their season average of 33.7). Pablo Rivas was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The offensive glass could be a major advantage for North Carolina Central in this showdown. The Eagles are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 40th in offensive rebounding percentage at 33.7 percent. Meanwhile, Texas Southern ranks 314th in the nation at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 67.8 percent.
Derrick Bruce has averaged 18.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals over the last five games for Texas Southern.
Texas Southern Tigers vs. North Carolina Central Eagles ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina Central, ATS Winner – North Carolina Central, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
North Carolina Central ranks 46th in assists per game (15.7) while Texas Southern ranks 262nd in assists allowed per game (15.9).
The Eagles rank 57th in rebounds per game (38.0) while the Tigers rank 268th in rebounds allowed per game (38.1).
Texas Southern ranks 158th in three-pointers attempted per game (21.5) while North Carolina Central ranks 256th (18.4).
The Eagles rank 123rd in blocks per game (3.4) while the Tigers rank 185th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
North Carolina Central ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Texas Southern ranks 40th (5.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Tigers have outscored opponents by an average of 10.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Texas Southern has lost by an average of 2.1 points.
During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (5.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.2 points per game (10.2 below their season average).
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