The Alabama A&M Bulldogs and the Norfolk State Spartans meet Saturday in CIT college basketball action from Joseph Echols Hall. Here’s an Alabama A&M vs Norfolk State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for the game. We will examine:
- The Alabama A&M recent form and player performance
- The Norfolk State recent form and player performance
- Recent betting trends and streaks involving Alabama A&M
- Recent betting trends and streaks involving Norfolk State
- Recent betting trends in games played between Alabama A&M and Norfolk State
- A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Alabama A&M vs Norfolk State game
Alabama A&M Betting Preview
The Bulldogs had a pretty rough regular season, starting out at 3-17 over their first 20 games. Alabama A&M improved late in the year though and finished with a 7-4 run. Following a win over Alcorn State in their opening conference tournament game, the Bulldogs would lose to Texas Southern in the next outing.
On Wednesday in their CIT game versus Austin Peay, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 42-31 halftime edge. Alabama A&M was outscored 40-39 the rest of the way but held on for the 81-71 win. Chad Moodie was the top team scorer with his 24 points and five rebounds.
Norfolk State Betting Preview
Over on the Norfolk State side, they also didn’t start out great. The Spartans went just 10-8 in their first 18 outings, but would steady the ship on an 11-2 run the rest of the way. Norfolk State took out Coppin State last Wednesday in the tournament, then fell to Howard in Friday’s matchup.
In the Howard game, the Spartans went into halftime with a 37-31 lead. Norfolk State fell behind on a 49-37 run from there though, ultimately falling 80-74 in a tough outcome. Allen Betrand was the top team scorer with 16 points and four rebounds off the bench.
Norfolk State Spartans Team Facts
- Norfolk State has won each of its last 17 games against non-Conference opponents at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall.
- Each of Norfolk State’s last eight games against non-Conference opponents at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall have produced a total of 143+ points.
- Norfolk State has won the first half in each of its last 13 day games at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall.
Alabama A&M Bulldogs Team Facts
- Alabama A&M has lost each of its last 11 day games against non-Conference opponents.
- Each of Alabama A&M’s last six games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 150+ points.
- Alabama A&M has lost the first half in each of its last 14 road day games against non-Conference opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- Norfolk State ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (21.8).
- Norfolk State ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (15.5).
- Alabama A&M ranks 362nd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (9.6).
- Alabama A&M ranks 362nd among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (19.9).
Alabama A&M vs Norfolk State Prediction
I’ll lean toward Norfolk State. The Spartans had a bad second half in their last outing versus Howard and eventually gave up 53.5 percent from the field along with 52.4 percent from 3-point range. Norfolk State shot well themselves (49.1 percent), but also got out-rebounded 30-19 and hit just 17-of-25 (68 percent) from the line. The good news is that the Spartans have hit 68 or more points in nine straight and should score well here also.
As for Alabama A&M, they’ve been below 67 points in five of their last eight games. That said, the Bulldogs did perform well versus Austin Peay in their last matchup. If Norfolk State plays to their capabilities however, I don’t think Alabama A&M will quite be able to keep up.