Grambling State Tigers vs Norfolk State Spartans NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/20/24
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Tigers versus the Spartans? Tip off is at at 4:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on SWAC. The game will be played at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The over/under for this game is set at 140.5 points, and Norfolk State is favored by -5.5 against Grambling State in a non-conference matchup.
GRAMBLING STATE TIGERS VS NORFOLK STATE SPARTANS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Norfolk State Spartans -5.5
This game will be played at Mohegan Sun Arena at 4:00 ET on Friday, December 20th.
WHY BET THE NORFOLK STATE SPARTANS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 79-68 in favor of the Spartans.
- Not only will Norfolk State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 140.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Will Grambling State Come Through as Road Underdogs?
Grambling State’s season struggles continued with a 73-60 home loss to Delaware State on Thursday, dropping their record to 0-8. The Tigers entered the game as -4.5 favorites but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 133, falling short of the 141.5 O/U line.
After trailing 29-25 at halftime, Grambling State’s defense faltered in the 2nd half, allowing 44 points while scoring 35. They’ll need to tighten up defensively to turn their season around.
Grambling State struggled offensively in their latest game, shooting just 37.9% from the field and 16.7% from beyond the arc, hitting only 4 of 24 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.4%, and they connected on 63.2% of their free throws, going 12 for 19 from the line.
Robert Smith led the team with 16 points, despite shooting 35.3% overall and missing both of his three-point attempts. Martaz Robinson hit 4 of 5 threes, finishing with 15 points and 6 rebounds, while Muneer Newton added 13 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 75% from the field.
Grambling State’s defense held their opponent to 73 points on 37% shooting from the field. They allowed 18 two-point baskets on 34 attempts, a 52% conversion rate.
From beyond the arc, Grambling State’s defense was effective, limiting their opponent to just 4 made threes on 24 attempts, a 16% shooting performance. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 19 times, where they made 12, shooting 63%.
Do the Spartans Have What it Takes to Win as Home Favorites?
Norfolk State Spartans Recent Game/Games
Norfolk State improved to 5-6 on the season with a 71-54 road win over Alabama State on Thursday. The Spartans, who entered the game as 4-point favorites, covered the spread with the victory.
Norfolk State jumped out to a 44-21 lead in the first half but allowed Alabama State to outscore them 33-27 in the second half. The game’s total points of 125 fell short of the 146.5-point O/U line.
Norfolk State put up 71 points in their latest game, shooting 46% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 48%, with a 50% success rate on two-point attempts.
At the free-throw line, the Spartans hit 78.6%, going 22-for-28, and they grabbed 11 offensive rebounds. TJ Madlock led the team with 17 points, while Brian Moore Jr. added 15 points and 7 rebounds.
Norfolk State’s defense was dominant, holding their opponent to just 54 points on 31% shooting from the field. They were particularly effective at defending the three-point line, where they limited the opposition to just 3 made threes on 26 attempts, an 11% success rate.
Inside the arc, Norfolk State’s defense allowed 15 two-point baskets on 32 attempts, a 46% shooting percentage. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 15 free throws, shooting 68%. Norfolk State gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.