Norfolk State vs. Baylor Prediction and Odds for NCAA Men's Tournament
By Reed Wallach
Baylor secured a No. 1 seed in their second straight NCAA Tournament and will face MEAC Conference Champions Norfolk State in the first round.
The Bears are set to begin their National Championship defense as the No. 1 seed in the East Region against Norfolk State, who is in their second consecutive March Madness as 16 seed's.
Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook, statistical breakdown, and prediction for the first round match
Norfolk State vs. Baylor Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Norfolk State: +20 (-110)
- Baylor: -20 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Norfolk State: +1600
- Baylor: -5000
Total: 137.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Norfolk State vs. Baylor Analysis
Norfolk St.
- Regular Season Record: 24-6
- ATS Record:17-9-1
- Over/Under Record: 12-15
- SoS: 340th
- Adjusted Offensive Efficiency: 102.4
- Defensive Efficiency: 102.3
- eFG%: 51.5%
- FT%: 69.5%
- 3PT%: 34.5%
- Last Year’s Tournament Result: First Round
- Odds to win National Championship: +3000 (Field)
Baylor
- Overall Record: 26-6
- ATS Record: 16-15-1
- Over/Under Record: 17-14-1
- SoS: 2nd
- Adjusted Offensive Efficiency: 117.9
- Defensive Efficiency: 91.6
- eFG%: 52.9%
- FT%: 69.8%
- 3PT%: 34.6%
- Last Year’s Tournament Result: National Champions
- Odds to win National Championship: +1000
Norfolk State vs. Baylor Prediction and Pick
I struggle to see Norfolk State staying within this number as Baylor's turnover-driven defense is going to give a sloppy backcourt fits.
The Spartans played one team inside of KenPom's top 75, Xavier on the road, and lost by 40, and Baylor has a far more tenacious defense. The Bears are top 20 in the country in generating turnovers, which will be a problem for Noroflk State, who is 283rd in protecting the rock this season.
The team gets to the line at a high rate, but they will struggle to get inside against Scott Drew's defense.
On offense, Baylor's edge on the glass (top 10 in offensive rebounding rate) will generate enough looks to keep Norfolk State at bay. James Akinjo should welcome in a MEAC Conference Champ after playing against the stout defenses of the Big 12 for the past two-and-a-half months.
LEAN: Baylor -20, UNDER 137.5
You can find all of Reed's bets HERE!
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