Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs Cleveland State Vikings Prediction – 3/25/2025

The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles and the Cleveland State Vikings are set to face off in the semifinals of the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) Tournament on March 25, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. This encounter marks the first-ever meeting between these two programs, each aiming to secure a spot in the tournament's championship game.

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs. Cleveland State Vikings Game Preview

The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles concluded their regular season with an 18-14 record, finishing third in the Atlantic Sun Conference with a 13-5 conference mark. Their recent performance includes a narrow 68-65 victory over Army, propelling them into the CBI semifinals. The Eagles have demonstrated a strong defensive presence, allowing an average of 70 points per game, which ranks them 96th nationally. Their deliberate pace of play, averaging 67.3 possessions per game (318th in the nation), has been instrumental in limiting opponents' scoring opportunities. Additionally, their defensive rebounding percentage stands at 76.6%, placing them 21st nationally. However, their defense against three-point shots has been less effective, with opponents converting 35.1% from beyond the arc, ranking them 256th in this category.

On the other side, the Cleveland State Vikings finished their season with a 21-12 record, securing the second spot in the Horizon League with a 14-6 conference record. They are coming off an impressive 88-73 win over Queens, advancing them to the CBI semifinals. Despite this recent offensive surge, the Vikings have struggled offensively throughout the season, averaging 69.8 points per game, which ranks 262nd nationally. Their shooting percentages have been subpar, with a two-point shooting percentage of 49.6% (244th) and a three-point shooting percentage of 32.5% (242nd). Similar to the Eagles, the Vikings employ a slower pace, averaging 68.3 possessions per game (273rd). Defensively, they have been more effective, allowing 67.6 points per game, ranking them 161st nationally.

Betting Insights

As of the latest available data, the betting lines for this matchup are as follows:

• Point Spread: Cleveland State favored by 3.5 points.
• Moneyline: Florida Gulf Coast at +136; Cleveland State at -162.
• Over/Under: Set at 140.5 points.

These odds suggest that Cleveland State is the slight favorite, with expectations of a moderately scoring game. Bettors should consider the following trends:

• Cleveland State has a 2-3 record against the spread in their last five games.
• Florida Gulf Coast has a 5-5 record against the spread in their last ten games.
• The total has gone over in two of Cleveland State's last five games.

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs. Cleveland State Vikings Prediction

Analyzing both teams' performances and statistical profiles, this semifinal matchup is poised to be closely contested. Florida Gulf Coast's defensive strengths, particularly in rebounding and controlling the game's tempo, could pose challenges for Cleveland State's inconsistent offense. The Eagles' ability to limit second-chance opportunities and their deliberate pace may disrupt the Vikings' rhythm.

Conversely, Cleveland State's recent offensive outburst against Queens indicates potential for scoring, but replicating such performance against a defensively sound team like Florida Gulf Coast may prove challenging. The Vikings' defensive capabilities, allowing 67.6 points per game, suggest they can keep the game competitive.

Considering the betting lines and team dynamics, a prudent approach would be to favor Florida Gulf Coast to cover the spread, given their defensive prowess and ability to control the game's tempo. The total points line at 140.5 appears appropriately set, reflecting both teams' tendencies for lower-scoring games. Therefore, the under may also be a viable consideration for bettors.

In conclusion, anticipate a tightly contested game with Florida Gulf Coast leveraging their defensive strengths to keep the score close, potentially covering the spread, while the total points remain under the set line.