South Carolina State vs North Carolina Central Pick – Basketball Predictions & Odds 3/2/23
North Carolina Central Eagles (15-11) vs. South Carolina State Bulldogs (5-24)
March 2, 2023 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: South Carolina State Bulldogs +8 / North Carolina Central Eagles -8 ; Over/Under: -
(Get latest betting odds)
The North Carolina Central Eagles and the South Carolina State Bulldogs meet Thursday in college basketball action from SHM Memorial Center. North Carolina Central is sitting at 16-11 so far. The Eagles eked out a win over Norfolk State in their last game. As for South Carolina State, they’re 5-24 on the season after a Monday loss to Howard. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
North Carolina Central
North Carolina Central’s season kicked off on a .500 stretch, going 10-10 through 20 outings. The Eagles are a nice 6-1 since then with wins over Morgan State, Coppin State, Delaware State, MD Eastern Shore, Howard and Norfolk State in that time.
On Monday versus Norfolk State, the Eagles scored 40 points in the first half, 26 in the second and 10 in overtime to eke out a 76-75 victory. Leading team scorer Justin Wright put up 20 points with six rebounds and three assists in the win.
South Carolina State Bulldogs
Over on the South Carolina State side, they were just 3-19 over their first 22 outings this year. The Bulldogs are 2-5 in their last seven with losses to Howard, MD Eastern Shore, Delaware State, Norfolk State and Howard again in that time.
In the Howard rematch on Monday, the Bulldogs went into the second half facing a 38-31 deficit. South Carolina State got better from there but still lost 82-78. Rakeim Gary led the way on 16 points with two rebounds in 17 minutes of work.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to stick with NC Central. The Eagles are looking great over this six-game win streak, even though there have been some close calls in there. One of those was the Monday win over a good Norfolk State team, as NC Central blew a 20-point halftime lead and had to win it in overtime. The Eagles last saw the Bulldogs back on January 14 at McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. That one was closer than expected with a 71-67 Eagles victory. This road rematch is going to be a test for NC Central coming off a big win. I think the Eagles are up to the challenge.
