Norfolk State vs North Carolina Central Basketball Picks 2-19-24

The North Carolina Central Eagles and Norfolk State Spartans face off on Monday in a college basketball showdown at the Joseph Echols Hall. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free North Carolina Central vs Norfolk State prediction.

Norfolk State Looks to Build on Last Game

Norfolk State in the last game faced off against South Carolina State and they were able to secure the 71-67 victory. Jamarii Thomas had a strong game putting up 18 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Norfolk State on the season is averaging 74.1 points while their defense is giving up 67.4 points per game. The defense is ranked 65th in the league and the defense is going to need to step up again here. Jamarii Thomas is averaging 17.2 points while shooting 41.3 percent from the field. 

NC Central Has Lost Two Straight Games

NC Central has struggled a bit heading into this game and they have lost two games in a row. In the last game against Howard, NC Central scored 82 points, but the defense gave up 90 points and that led to the defeat. NC Central on the season is averaging 75.4 points while their defense is giving up 677.7 points per game. The defense is ranked 73rd and the defense is going to need to be better here. Ja’Darius Harris has been the top player for NC Central averaging 15.8 points while shooting 47 percent from the field and 36 percent from behind the three point line. NC Central will meet Maryland-Eastern Shore after this one.

NC Central vs Norfolk State Betting Prediction

NC Central in the last game looked awful. The offense scored 82 points, but the defense gave up 90 points and that led to the eight point defeat. NC Central’s defense is going to really struggle and that is going to be the difference here. Norfolk State’s offense is going to get out to a fast start here and that is going to be the difference here as they get the job done. Back Norfolk State against the spread.