Winthrop Eagles vs Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/8/25
The Eagles and Runnin’ Bulldogs are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Runnin’ Bulldogs will host the game at Paul Porter Arena in Boiling Springs, NC. In this Big South matchup, Winthrop is favored bt -2.5 vs. Gardner-Webb. The over/under for the game is 157.5 points.
WINTHROP EAGLES VS GARDNER-WEBB RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs +2.5
This game will be played at Paul Porter Arena at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, January 8th.
WHY BET THE GARDNER-WEBB RUNNIN’ BULLDOGS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Runnin’ Bulldogs.
- Not only will Gardner-Webb pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +2.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 157.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 145 points.
Taking a Look at the Eagles Chances on the Road
Winthrop Eagles Recent Game/Games
Winthrop dropped to 8-6 on the season after a 87-67 road loss to Radford on Saturday. The Eagles, who were -1.5 point favorites, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 154, just over the pre-game O/U line of 152.
Winthrop fell behind early, trailing 46-26 at halftime. While they managed to score 41 points in the 2nd half, they also allowed 41 points, preventing any chance of a comeback.
Winthrop’s offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 35.6% from the field and 17.6% from beyond the arc, hitting only 3 of 17 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 37.3%, and they managed just 3 assists as a team.
Zion Walker was a standout, scoring 30 points on 9 of 14 shooting, including 2 of 4 from three-point range. Kelton Talford also contributed, hitting 6 of 9 shots and grabbing 8 rebounds.
Winthrop’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 87 points while allowing their opponent to shoot 51% from the field. The Eagles couldn’t contain the two-point attack, as their opponent hit 56% of their shots inside the arc, going 18/32.
From three-point range, Winthrop’s defense allowed 10 threes on 22 attempts, a 45% shooting performance. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 24 times, where they converted 21 for 87%. On the boards, Winthrop gave up 14 offensive rebounds.
Can Gardner-Webb Secure a Home Victory?
Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs Recent Game/Games
Gardner-Webb improved to 6-9 on the season with a narrow 63-61 win over Presbyterian on Saturday, January 4th. Playing at home, the Runnin’ Bulldogs were favored by 3 points but didn’t cover the spread. The combined points of 124 fell well short of the over/under line of 146.5.
After trailing 35-35 at halftime, Gardner-Webb tightened up defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 26 points while scoring 28 to secure the win.
Gardner-Webb managed just 63 points in their last game, shooting 43.6% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 47.3%, and they struggled at the free-throw line, hitting only 57.1% of their attempts.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs grabbed 16 offensive rebounds and dished out 9 assists. Darryl Simmons II and Kobe Stewart each scored 16 points, with Simmons adding 9 rebounds. Stewart connected on 50% of his threes, while Kory Mincy contributed 5 assists despite shooting 27.3% overall.
Gardner-Webb’s defense held their opponent to 61 points, allowing them to shoot 43% from the field with 24 made baskets on 55 attempts. Inside the arc, the opponent shot 47%, converting 21 of their 44 two-point attempts.
From beyond the arc, Gardner-Webb limited their opponent to just 3 made threes on 11 attempts, a 27% shooting performance. The opponent also struggled at the free-throw line, hitting only 12 of 21 attempts for 57%. Gardner-Webb gave up 16 offensive rebounds in the game.