Delaware State (16-13) vs North Carolina Central (13-18)
Game Info: Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 8:00 pm (Norfolk Scope Arena)
Betting Odds: Delaware State -1.5 -- Over/Under: 153.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN+
The North Carolina Central Eagles are facing the Delaware State Hornets on Thursday, March 13th at the Norfolk Scope Arena, in this MEAC quarterfinal between the 3rd seed and the 6th seed of the conference. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a North Carolina Central Eagles vs Delaware State Hornets Prediction. We will examine:
The Delaware State Hornets' recent form and player performance
The North Carolina Central Eagles' recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Delaware State Hornets
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the North Carolina Central Eagles
Recent betting trends in games played between the North Carolina Central Eagles and Delaware State Hornets
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the North Carolina Central Eagles vs Delaware State Hornets game
Delaware State Hornets Preview
The Delaware State Hornets finished the regular season with a 16-13 record and were placed 3rd in the MEAC. The Hornets are coming off a 75-68 win over Maryland Eastern Shore. The Hornets are 12-13 against the spread, and 16-9 in over/under.
Offensively, Delaware State is averaging 78.7 points per game, which ranks 64th in the nation. Defensively, they are allowing 74.1 points per game (251st). The Hornets shoot 45.9% from the field (115th) and 37% from beyond the arc (45th). The Hornets shoot 72.9% from the free throw line (148th) and are grabbing 37.7 rebounds per game (59th).
Robert Smith leads Delaware State in scoring this season, with an average of 18.3 points, 3 rebounds, and a team-high 3 assists, while Martaz Robinson adds 16.2 points and a team-high 6.2 rebounds per game.
North Carolina Central Eagles Preview
The North Carolina Central Eagles finished the regular season with a 13-18 record and were placed 6th in the MEAC. North Carolina Central is coming off a 71-87 loss to South Carolina State. The Eagles are 11-15-1 against the spread, and 18-9 in over/under.
Offensively, North Carolina Central is averaging 79.2 points per game, which ranks 56th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 75.4 points per game (280th). The Eagles shoot 45.8% from the field (122nd) and 35.1% from beyond the arc (117th). The Eagles shoot 68.8% from the free-throw line (291st) and are grabbing 34.2 rebounds per game (241st).
Po’Boigh King leads North Carolina Central in scoring this season, with an average of 16.5 points and 3 rebounds, while Keishon Porter adds 11.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
Why the Delaware State Hornets will win
- Delaware State has won six of its last seven night games played at neutral venues.
- North Carolina Central has lost five of its last six night games.
- Delaware State has won the first half in three of its last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Why the North Carolina Central Eagles will win
- North Carolina Central has won 17 of its last 20 games against Delaware State.
- Delaware State has lost 30 of its last 40 night games against the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
- North Carolina Central has won the first half in 13 of its last 14 night games against Delaware State.
Total Points Facts
- Nineteen of Delaware State's last 20 games against Conference opponents at neutral venues have produced a total of 148 or fewer points.
- Five of North Carolina Central's last six night games against the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference have produced a total of 158+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Delaware State ranks 362nd among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (14.2).
- Delaware State ranks 356th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game this season (5.2).
- North Carolina Central ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (16.2).
- North Carolina Central ranks T11th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (5.7).
North Carolina Central Eagles vs Delaware State Hornets Prediction
North Carolina Central is 8-2 in their last 10 meetings against Delaware State and is 4-2 against the spread in their last 6 meetings. Over is 4-2 in their last 6 meetings, and both teams are tied 1-1 wins this season, with each one winning at home. Delaware State won by 86-84 in overtime, while North Carolina Central won by 75-72.
In this North Carolina Central Eagles vs Delaware State Hornets Prediction, Delaware State is coming as -1.5-point favorites. Delaware State has a slightly better record this season, and has 3 wins away from home, while North Carolina Central has only two. The Hornets are just 3-3 in their last 6 games and 0-6 against the spread, while the Eagles are 3-6 in their last 9 games and 3-5 against the spread in their last 8, so I see no value on either side. Both teams have been involved in some higher-scoring games lately, as they are 15-5 to the over in their last 20 games combined. Most of their recent meetings had been high-scoring ones, and I expect this trend to continue today, so take the over.
Nikos’s Pick Over 153.5
AUTHOR: Nikos Lagouretos
