Norfolk State Spartans vs Baylor Bears NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/11/24
Looking to win big? The Spartans and Bears face off at 12:00 ET on ESPN+. The Bears are hosting the game at Foster Pavilion in Waco, TX. The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 142.5 points, with Baylor being favored by -25.5 over Norfolk State.
NORFOLK STATE SPARTANS VS BAYLOR BEARS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Norfolk State Spartans +25.5
This game will be played at Foster Pavilion at 12:00 ET on Wednesday, December 11th.
WHY BET THE NORFOLK STATE SPARTANS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Bears.
- Even though we have Baylor winning straight-up, we like Norfolk State at +25.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 142.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Will the Spartans Make it Happen on the Road?
Norfolk State fell to 4-4 on the season after an 80-67 home loss to Hofstra on Monday. The Spartans, who were -4.5 favorites, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread.
After trailing 37-31 at halftime, Norfolk State allowed 43 points in the 2nd half while scoring 36. The total points for the game reached 147, going over the pre-game O/U line of 133.
Norfolk State struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 38.8% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 44.9%, but they excelled at the free-throw line, hitting 24 of 26 attempts for a 92.3% mark.
Cruz Davis and KiJan Robinson each scored 20 points, with Davis hitting 5 of 6 threes and Robinson making 4 of 9 from deep. Jean Aranguren added 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Jalen Myers contributed 17 points, connecting on 3 of 5 threes.
Despite Norfolk State holding their opponent to just 38% shooting from the field, they still gave up 80 points. The Spartans limited their opponent to 41% shooting on two-point attempts, with 14 makes on 34 tries.
From beyond the arc, Norfolk State’s defense allowed 5 three-pointers on 15 attempts, a 33% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 26 times, where they converted 24 for 92%. Norfolk State gave up 6 offensive rebounds in the game.
Is a Home Win Possible for Baylor?
Baylor improved to 6-3 on the season with an 88-57 win over Abilene Christian on Monday. Playing at home, the Bears entered the game as -24.5 favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 145, surpassing the O/U line of 141.5.
Baylor took control early, leading 46-22 at halftime. They added 42 points in the 2nd half while allowing 35 points to the Wildcats.
Baylor’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 88 points while shooting 59.3% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 66.1%, with strong performances both inside and out. They hit 65.9% of their two-point attempts and connected on 44.4% from beyond the arc, going 8-for-18 from three-point range.
Jayden Nunn led the way with 18 points, hitting all 4 of his three-point attempts and adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Norchad Omier was perfect from the field, going 7-for-7 and finishing with 15 points and 6 rebounds in just 16 minutes of action.
Even with Baylor’s defense allowing 57 points, they struggled to stop the Bears, who shot 59% from the field. Baylor was particularly effective inside, hitting 65% of their two-point attempts (27/41).
The Bears also shot well from beyond the arc, making 8 of 18 threes for 44%. From the free-throw line, Baylor went 10/16, shooting 62%. They gave up 10 offensive rebounds.