The Norfolk State Spartans and the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles meet in college basketball action from the UVI Sports & Fitness Center on Monday.

Norfolk State Drops Back-To-Back Games

The Norfolk State Spartans come into this one looking to rebound from a 77-53 loss to San Jose State last time out. Jamarii Thomas leads the Spartans in scoring with 15.4 PPG along with 3 RPG and 2.8 APG as the lone double-digit scorer for Norfolk State so far this season. Kuluei Mading has 9.4 PPG with 4 RPG and Jaylani Darden has 9.2 PPG with a team-high 7.8 RPG to lead the Spartans in rebounding up to this point in the year. Gilbert Brown also has a team-high 3 APG to lead the Spartans in the assist department this season. As a team, Norfolk State is averaging 76.8 PPG on 42.5% shooting from the field, 27.6% from three and 68.1% from the foul line this season.

Florida Gulf Coast Falls To Hampton

The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles come into this game looking to rebound from a 92-85 loss to Hampton last time out. Isaiah Thompson leads the Eagles in scoring with 14.5 PPG while Zach Anderson has 12.8 PPG with 5.6 RPG this season. Keeshawn Kellman has 12.2 PPG with a team-high 5.8 RPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for FGCU this season while Rahmir Barno has a team-high 2.4 APG to lead the Eagles in the assist department this season. As a team, Florida Gulf Coast is averaging 72.6 PPG on 43% shooting from the field, 28.1% from three and 72% from the foul line this season.

Chris’ Pick

I’m backing Florida Gulf Coast here. I think the Eagles are just the better team and while both teams have been struggling as of late, it’s the Eagles who are more battle-tested with games against Pitt and Indiana under their belts already this season. I just can’t trust Norfolk State to get the job done in this spot as the Spartans are a bit of a fraudulent 3-2 team in my eyes. Give me the Eagles here.