Radford Highlanders vs High Point Panthers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/2/25

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Highlanders and Panthers. The game is starting at 7:00 ET on ESPNU, and it’s hosted by the Panthers at Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena in High Point, NC. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 146.5 points, and High Point is favored by -7.5 vs. Radford in a Big South conference matchup.

RADFORD HIGHLANDERS VS HIGH POINT PANTHERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Radford Highlanders +7.5

This game will be played at Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena at 7:00 ET on Thursday, January 2nd.

WHY BET THE RADFORD HIGHLANDERS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Panthers.
• Even though we have High Point winning straight-up, we like Radford at +7.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 146.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.

Will the Highlanders Exceed Expectations on the Road?

Radford dropped to 8-5 on the season after a 74-48 road loss to South Carolina on Sunday. The Highlanders, who were +13.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 122 fell short of the 136.5 O/U line.

Radford led 36-30 at halftime but managed just 12 points in the 2nd half while allowing 44 points to the Gamecocks.

Radford struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 48 points with a 34.5% field goal percentage. Their effective field goal percentage was 36.4%, and they hit only 16.7% from three-point range, making 2 of 12 attempts.

Jamarii Thomas led the way with 18 points, shooting 4 of 6 from deep. Collin Murray-Boyles added 15 points and 7 rebounds, while TJ NeSmith contributed 14 points and 5 boards. Nick Pringle was perfect from the field, hitting his only shot and grabbing 8 rebounds.

Radford’s defense gave up 74 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 39% from the field. They allowed 11 two-point baskets on 21 attempts, a 52% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Radford’s opponents hit 9 of 30 threes, shooting 30%. They also sent them to the line 27 times, where they converted 25 free throws, a 92% success rate. Radford gave up 11 offensive rebounds.

Pressure Builds for High Point as Home Favorites

High Point’s season record fell to 10-3 after a 77-74 home loss to Norfolk State on Sunday. Entering the game as -9 favorites, the Panthers not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

High Point trailed 39-34 at halftime but outscored Norfolk State 40-38 in the 2nd half. The game’s total points of 151 exceeded the O/U line of 145.5.

High Point’s offense put up 74 points in their last game, shooting just 34.5% from the field. They struggled inside, hitting only 21.1% of their two-point attempts, but found success from beyond the arc, connecting on 15 of 36 threes for 41.7%.

Chase Johnston led the way from deep, hitting 8 threes at a 61.5% clip, while Brian Moore Jr. scored 33 points, shooting 61.9% overall. The Panthers also grabbed 20 offensive rebounds and dished out 15 assists in the win.

Even with High Point’s defense holding their opponent to 34% shooting, they still gave up 77 points. The Panthers allowed 15 threes on 36 attempts, with the other team shooting just 21% from two-point range (4/19).

High Point sent their opponent to the free-throw line 33 times, where they made 21 free throws (63%). The Panthers also struggled on the boards, giving up 20 offensive rebounds.