NC Central vs Norfolk State Prediction and Odds: (Spartans to Cover the Big Number)
By Joe Summers
The 19-6 Norfolk State Spartans seek revenge after a 70-67 upset loss last month when they host the 14-13 North Carolina Central Eagles tonight at 7:30 PM EST.
Norfolk State has won 10 of their last 12 but have only covered the spread once in their past six. The Eagles, meanwhile, have failed to cover in each of their last three.
Does the value lie with Norfolk State to get a convincing win in vengeance or will North Carolina Central hang tough with the Spartans once again?
Here are the odds via WynnBET:
North Carolina Central vs Norfolk State Odds, Spread and Total
Spread
- North Carolina Central +8.5 (-110)
- Norfolk State -8.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
- North Carolina Central: +290
- Norfolk State: -370
Total:
- 139.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
North Carolina Central vs Norfolk State Prediction and Pick
Both of these teams have been friendly to bettors. Norfolk State is 13-8-1 against the spread (ATS) and 5-2-1 at home, while North Carolina Central is 5-2 ATS over their past seven as an underdog.
The Spartans rely on a stingy defense and repeated trips to the free throw line to overpower opponents. They have the 23rd-lowest opposing effective field goal percentage thanks to the 47th-ranked 2-point defense and 29th-best 3-point defense. Their offense is middling, but their 10th-highest free throw rate means they generate enough opportunities at the charity stripe to get by.
North Carolina Central, on the other hand, ranks outside the top 260 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They're a strong offensive rebounding team and get to the free throw line at a high rate as well, but their 353rd-lowest defensive free throw rate means the Spartans should live at the line in this one.
At just 1-3 ATS over their last four as a road underdog, North Carolina State struggles in unfriendly environments while Norfolk State excels in these situations.
In the first matchup, the Eagles shot 10/25 from beyond the arc while Norfolk State was only 12/23 from the free throw line. I expect both those figures to regress and think the Spartans get their revenge here.
Pick: Norfolk State -8.5 (-110)
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.