Norfolk State (16-9) vs North Carolina Central (12-10)
Game Info: Monday, February 19, 2024 at 9:00 pm (Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall)
Betting Odds: Norfolk State -4.5 - Over/Under: 135 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPNU Stream College Basketball all season on ESPN+. Sign up now! 
The Norfolk State Spartans will host the North Carolina Central Eagles in MEAC play this Monday from the Echols Memorial Hall on ESPNU. NCCU leads the head-to-head series, 12-8, and they come in as 4.5-point home favorites, with the total sitting at 135. Stay tuned for our Norfolk State vs North Carolina Central Prediction.
North Carolina Central Eagles Preview
North Carolina Central comes in at 13-10 after losing to Howard in D.C., 90-82. The Eagles were unable to recover from a slow start versus the Bison, and they’ll look to prevent a third straight loss here in Norfolk. NCCU is scoring 75.4 points per game, on 44.9% shooting, while allowing 69.1 ppg, and they’re currently second in the MEAC with a 5-1 record in conference play.
NCCU’s Impact Players
- Trenton native Ja’Darius Harris has scored 18 points or more in six of the last eight games, and he leads NCCU in scoring (15.7).
- Veteran guard Fred Cleveland Jr. paced the team with 20 points in the Howard matchup, and he leads Central in assists (4.8), while scoring 15.1 ppg.
- Sophomore guard Po’Boigh King led the way with a game-high 22 points in the DSU victory, and he’s first on the team in rebounding (4.9), while scoring 14.2 ppg.
Norfolk State Spartans Preview
Norfolk State improved to 16-9 after defeating South Carolina State at home by four, 71-67. The Spartans found a way to prevail in overtime against the Bulldogs, and they’ll look to avenge a January loss to the Eagles this Monday. NSU is scoring 74.1 points per game, on 44.9% shooting, while allowing 68.0 ppg, and they’re currently first in the MEAC with a 5-1 record in conference play.
NSU’s Impact Players
- Former UNCW guard Jamarii Thomas led the way with 18 points in the win over SC State, and he’s first on NSU in scoring (17.2) and assists (3.8).
- Veteran guard Allen Betrand has reached double figures in five of the last eight games, and he’s second in the team at 10.8 ppg.
- Longwood transfer Jaylani Darden chipped in 14 points in the SC State victory, and he leads Norfolk State in rebounding (5.0), while scoring 7.2 ppg.
NCCU vs NSU Trends
- NCCU is 12-7 against the spread, with a 9-10 over/under record
- The Eagles are 7-3 over their last ten games, and they’re 5-7 on the road this season.
- NSU is 9-12 against the spread, with a 7-14 O/U record
- The Spartans are 7-3 over their previous ten games, and they’re 10-0 in Norfolk this season.
North Carolina Central vs Norfolk State Prediction
North Carolina Central managed to pull off a narrow comeback victory at home in the first meeting, and I believe Norfolk State will get their revenge this Monday night at home. The Spartans have been sharp in conference play, and they’re undefeated on their home floor, so this feels like a really good spot for them. NSU will have plenty of motive coming into this matchup, and with them thriving on the defensive end, that may reflect on the scoreboard here. Don’t shy away from trusting Norfolk State to improve to 11-0 at home, but I like backing the Under for this matchup in the MEAC.
Corey’s Pick NCCU/NSU To Go UNDER
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
Norfolk State (16-9) vs North Carolina Central (12-10)
Game Info: Monday, February 19, 2024 at 9:00 pm (Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall)
Betting Odds: Norfolk State -4.5 - Over/Under: 135 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPNU Stream College Basketball all season on ESPN+. Sign up now!
The Norfolk State Spartans will host the North Carolina Central Eagles in MEAC play this Monday from the Echols Memorial Hall on ESPNU. NCCU leads the head-to-head series, 12-8, and they come in as 4.5-point home favorites, with the total sitting at 135. Stay tuned for our Norfolk State vs North Carolina Central Prediction.
North Carolina Central Eagles Preview
North Carolina Central comes in at 13-10 after losing to Howard in D.C., 90-82. The Eagles were unable to recover from a slow start versus the Bison, and they’ll look to prevent a third straight loss here in Norfolk. NCCU is scoring 75.4 points per game, on 44.9% shooting, while allowing 69.1 ppg, and they’re currently second in the MEAC with a 5-1 record in conference play.
NCCU’s Impact Players
- Trenton native Ja’Darius Harris has scored 18 points or more in six of the last eight games, and he leads NCCU in scoring (15.7).
- Veteran guard Fred Cleveland Jr. paced the team with 20 points in the Howard matchup, and he leads Central in assists (4.8), while scoring 15.1 ppg.
- Sophomore guard Po’Boigh King led the way with a game-high 22 points in the DSU victory, and he’s first on the team in rebounding (4.9), while scoring 14.2 ppg.
Norfolk State Spartans Preview
Norfolk State improved to 16-9 after defeating South Carolina State at home by four, 71-67. The Spartans found a way to prevail in overtime against the Bulldogs, and they’ll look to avenge a January loss to the Eagles this Monday. NSU is scoring 74.1 points per game, on 44.9% shooting, while allowing 68.0 ppg, and they’re currently first in the MEAC with a 5-1 record in conference play.
NSU’s Impact Players
- Former UNCW guard Jamarii Thomas led the way with 18 points in the win over SC State, and he’s first on NSU in scoring (17.2) and assists (3.8).
- Veteran guard Allen Betrand has reached double figures in five of the last eight games, and he’s second in the team at 10.8 ppg.
- Longwood transfer Jaylani Darden chipped in 14 points in the SC State victory, and he leads Norfolk State in rebounding (5.0), while scoring 7.2 ppg.
NCCU vs NSU Trends
- NCCU is 12-7 against the spread, with a 9-10 over/under record
- The Eagles are 7-3 over their last ten games, and they’re 5-7 on the road this season.
- NSU is 9-12 against the spread, with a 7-14 O/U record
- The Spartans are 7-3 over their previous ten games, and they’re 10-0 in Norfolk this season.
North Carolina Central vs Norfolk State Prediction
North Carolina Central managed to pull off a narrow comeback victory at home in the first meeting, and I believe Norfolk State will get their revenge this Monday night at home. The Spartans have been sharp in conference play, and they’re undefeated on their home floor, so this feels like a really good spot for them. NSU will have plenty of motive coming into this matchup, and with them thriving on the defensive end, that may reflect on the scoreboard here. Don’t shy away from trusting Norfolk State to improve to 11-0 at home, but I like backing the Under for this matchup in the MEAC.
Corey’s Pick NCCU/NSU To Go UNDER
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee