North Carolina Central vs Penn State Prediction 12/29/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a North Carolina Central vs Penn State prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, December 29th at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

North Carolina Central Eagles Betting Preview

The North Carolina Central Eagles are 4-10 this season after they lost to Longwood by a score of 74-72 in their last game. North Carolina Central was tied at 36 at halftime, but they were outscored 38-36 in the second half for the close loss. The Eagles shot 45% from the field, 12% on three pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. Gage Lattimore led NC Central with 22 points and one assist, while Khouri Carvey added 17 points and 11 rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, North Carolina Central defeated a non-D1 team by a score of 96-62, but lost to Kentucky by a score of 103-67 before that. The Eagles have scored 72.6 points per game with 33.2 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 77.7 points against per game this season. Gage Lattimore is averaging 19.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, while Khouri Carvey is averaging 14.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for the Eagles. NC Central is shooting 41.6% from the field, 73.6% on free throws, and 30.1% on three pointers this season. 

Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview

The Penn State Nittany Lions are 8-4 this year after they lost to Pittsburgh by a score of 80-46 in their last game. Penn State trailed 40-20 at halftime and only scored 26 points in the second half in the blowout loss. The Nittany Lions shot 33% from the field, 17% on three pointers, and 67% on free throws in the game. Freddie Dilione V led Penn State with 23 points and six rebounds, while Kayden Mingo added nine points and five assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Penn State lost to Michigan State by a score of 76-72 and Indiana by a score of 113-72. The Nittany Lions have scored 78.2 points per game with 31.3 rebounds and 13.4 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.9 points against per game this season. Freddie Dilione V is averaging 14.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, while Kayden Mingo is averaging 14.5 points and 4.4 assists per game for the Nittany Lions. Penn State is shooting 48.2% from the field, 71.8% on free throws, and 34.0% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Penn State Nittany Lions will win

• Penn State has won 27 of its last 28 games against non-Conference opponents at Bryce Jordan Center.
• North Carolina Central has lost each of its last nine road games against non-Conference opponents.
• North Carolina Central has lost the first half in 12 of its last 13 road games against non-Conference opponents.

Why the North Carolina Central Eagles will win

• Penn State has lost each of its last three games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Penn State’s last four day games against non-Conference opponents at Bryce Jordan Center have produced a total of 150+ points.
• Six of North Carolina Central’s last seven day games have produced a total of 146 or fewer points.

North Carolina Central vs Penn State Prediction 

Penn State comes into this matchup looking to snap a three game losing streak, but they looked terrible in their last game against Pittsburgh. The Nittany Lions are 6-1 at home and they are shooting 48% from the field. North Carolina Central is still looking for their first D1 win of the season and they are shooting just 42% from the field. I don’t trust either team here, but I will back Penn State at home, as they should be the much better team.

David Racey's Pick: Penn State -22.5