There’s only one game on today’s NCAAB schedule featuring two ranked teams, so our next preview takes us to the MEAC and a matchup between the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks (10-8, 3-1 MEAC) and North Carolina Central Eagles (10-8, 3-1 MEAC). Tip-off from McDougald-McLendon Arena in Durham, NC, is scheduled for 7:30 pm EST on Monday night.
This is the first of two regular-season meetings between these two schools, with NC Central set to repay the visit to Princess Anne, Maryland, in a little less than a month.
The Hawks and Eagles are two of five teams tied atop the MEAC with those 3-1 conference records when looking at the college basketball standings. Continue reading for our Maryland Eastern Shore vs NC Central prediction.
Maryland-Eastern Shore vs. North Carolina Central Information
Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks vs North Carolina Central Eagles
Location of the game: McDougald-McLendon Arena. Durham, NC.
Date: Monday, January 23. 7:30 PM ET.
How to watch: nccueaglepride.com
Last Game Score Record
As mentioned, this is the first time these two NCAA basketball teams go head-to-head this season. They squared off three times a year ago, with each school winning on the other’s home floor during the regular season. NC Central then got the last laugh by knocking out the Hawks in the MEAC Tournament quarterfinals.
The Eagles would fall the following day to Coppin State in the semis, who eventually lost to Norfolk State, the MEAC’s lone representative in the NCAA Tournament last year.
The odds to win March Madness for these schools are as high as they come for teams still in contention, but they both have a legit chance to dance in March. Keep reading for our Maryland Eastern Shore vs NC Central prediction.
Maryland-Eastern Shore vs. North Carolina Central Analysis
You’ll see the NCAAB odds highlighted below, which will obviously go a long way in determining our NCAAB picks. Both programs head into this one riding three-game winning streaks, and this is one of two Monday night matchups pitting two of those five conference leaders against one another.
Norfolk State and Morgan State tip off at the same time, so the NC Central and Maryland Eastern standings will look a lot different/clearer after tonight.
This game will feature two of the best college basketball players in the conference squaring off as Justin Wright of UNCC matches up against Nathaniel Pollard Jr. of UMES. Wright is the fifth-leading scorer in the conference with 15.3 ppg, and Pollard is the second-best rebounder in the MEAC at 7.9 rpg.
Fortunately, there is nothing notable on the college basketball injury report as it pertains to this game, so both teams will be at full strength.
Odds Breakdown
Maryland-Eastern Shore
Moneyline: +255
Spread: +7.5
Over/Under: 135
North Carolina Central
Moneyline: -305
Spread: -7.5
Over/Under: 135
Maryland-Eastern Shore vs. North Carolina Central Betting Pick and Prediction
If you’re a college basketball fan, you might be locked in on Kansas and Baylor in what will be a huge Big 12 contest. But this is one of the more important NCAA basketball games today and could go a long way in determining who goes dancing out of the MEAC.
When it comes to North Carolina basketball odds, the Eagles are likely not the first team you think of from that state, but they should make some regional noise on Monday.
While the Hawks have won three straight, each of the three wins have come by single digits. It’s certainly worth pointing out that Kevon Voyles did just drop a season and career-high 27 in their win over South Carolina State on Saturday.
NC Central dominated Delaware State their last time out, winning by 19 as 16-point chalk with four of their five starters reaching double figures. This is a line that indicates NC Central is the superior side, and we’d agree, considering the Eagles are 6-0 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning straight-up record.
Lay the points and watch the Eagles soar to the final day of the MEAC Tournament in early March. Our final Maryland Eastern Shore vs NC Central prediction is:
Pick: NC Central -7.5
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