The East Tennessee State Buccaneers (9-4) challenge the Norfolk State Spartans (5-8) in the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational at Don Haskins Center. The game begins at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. Norfolk State Spartans Free Prediction
In the Buccaneers’ last contest, they were defeated by the Georgia State Panthers, 74-68. One of Georgia State’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 29 free throw attempts, while East Tennessee State had 18. Isaiah Tisdale led East Tennessee State in scoring with 19 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
The Spartans got blown out by the No. 19 Michigan Wolverines in their last game, 63-44. One of Michigan’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They made 29 trips to the line, while Norfolk State went just 11 times. Norfolk State’s Nic Thomas put together a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with nine points on 4-for-8 shooting.
The inefficient offense of Norfolk State will clash against the top-notch defense of East Tennessee State. The Spartans currently rank 286th in offensive efficiency, while the Buccaneers are 26th in defensive efficiency. The Buccaneers should have the edge on that end of the court. It could also be an error-filled game for the Buccaneers’ offense, which ranks 308th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.8 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Spartans, which forces the 36th-most turnovers in the NCAA (23.1 percent).
Jeromy Rodriguez has averaged 0 points over the last five games for East Tennessee State.
East Tennessee State Buccaneers at Norfolk State Spartans ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Norfolk State averages 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 30th in the NCAA. East Tennessee State ranks 99th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Buccaneers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.0, up from 13.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 69.6 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.2 points per game (9.0 below their season average).
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