Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs vs North Carolina Central Eagles NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/8/24

Looking to win big? The Runnin’ Bulldogs and Eagles face off at 1:00 ET on ESPN+. The Eagles are hosting the game at McDougald-McLendon Arena in Durham, NC. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 142.5 points, and North Carolina Central is favored by -4.5 at home against Gardner-Webb.

GARDNER-WEBB RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS VS NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL EAGLES BETTING PICK

The Pick: Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs +4.5

This game will be played at McDougald-McLendon Arena at 1:00 ET on Friday, November 8th.

WHY BET THE GARDNER-WEBB RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-72 in favor of the Eagles.
• Even though we have North Carolina Central winning straight-up, we like Gardner-Webb at +4.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 142.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.

Is a Road Win Possible for the Runnin’ Bulldogs?

Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

Gardner-Webb fell to the Volunteers 80-64 on Monday, November 4th. The Runnin’ Bulldogs were +27 point underdogs going into the game, but managed to keep the final score closer than expected.

Gardner-Webb trailed 44-32 at halftime and scored 32 points in the 2nd half while allowing 36. The game’s total points of 144 went over the pre-game line of 141.5.

In their last game, Gardner-Webb scored 64 points, shooting 43.6% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 49.1%, with a 56.2% success rate on two-point attempts and just 26.1% from beyond the arc, hitting 6 of 23 threes.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs had 10 offensive rebounds and 8 assists. Darryl Simmons II led the way with 22 points, hitting 4 of 10 threes, while Chaz Lanier connected on 4 of 6 from deep, finishing with 18 points.

Gardner-Webb’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 80 points on 50% shooting from the field. They allowed their opponent to hit 62% of their two-point attempts, going 20/32 inside the arc.

From three-point range, Gardner-Webb’s opponent shot 34%, making 8 of 23 attempts. The Runnin’ Bulldogs also sent them to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 16 free throws for a 76% rate. Gardner-Webb gave up 8 offensive rebounds.

Does North Carolina Central Have What it Takes at Home?

North Carolina Central Eagles Recent Game/Games

The Eagles opened their season with a 75-58 road loss to George Mason on Monday. Entering the game as +15.5 point underdogs, they didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game finished at 133, just under the O/U line of 138.5.

North Carolina Central trailed 32-22 at halftime and couldn’t close the gap in the 2nd half, where they scored 36 points but allowed 43.

North Carolina Central struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 28.1% from the field and 23.8% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 31.6%, and they managed only 7 assists as a team.

At the free-throw line, the Eagles were strong, hitting 21 of 25 attempts for 84%. Darius Maddox led the team with 17 points, while Josh Smith added 14, both shooting 4 of 11 from the field.

North Carolina Central’s defense gave up 75 points while allowing the opposition to shoot 41% from the field. They struggled to contain two-point attempts, with the other team hitting 55% of their shots inside the arc, going 19/34.

From three-point range, the Eagles held their opponent to just 2/17 shooting, or 11%. However, they sent the other team to the free-throw line 41 times, where they converted 31 of those attempts, shooting 75%. North Carolina Central also allowed 18 offensive rebounds.