North Carolina Central Eagles vs South Carolina State Bulldogs Prediction – 3/14/2025

The North Carolina Central Eagles and the South Carolina State Bulldogs are set to clash in the semifinals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This pivotal game will take place at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, with both teams vying for a spot in the championship game.

North Carolina Central Eagles vs. South Carolina State Bulldogs Game Preview

South Carolina State enters the semifinal on an impressive ten-game winning streak. In their recent quarterfinal matchup, the Bulldogs secured a narrow 68-63 victory over Coppin State. Guard Wilson Dubinsky led the team with 20 points, showcasing the depth of their offensive lineup. Throughout the season, forward Drayton Jones has been a consistent performer, averaging 13.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Guard Omar Croskey contributes significantly as well, averaging 11.5 points per game. The Bulldogs have been particularly potent offensively, averaging 81.2 points over their last five contests, surpassing their season average of 75.9 points per game.

North Carolina Central, on the other hand, comes into this game with a recent surge in performance. The Eagles clinched a thrilling 79-77 victory over Delaware State in the quarterfinals, with forward Perry Smith Jr. leading the charge with 22 points. Guard Po’Boigh King has been the team's top scorer this season, averaging 16.5 points per game, while forward Keishon Porter adds 11.1 points per game. Smith Jr. also leads the team in rebounds, averaging 5.9 per game. The Eagles have been consistent offensively, averaging 74.4 points over their last five games, closely aligning with their season average of 79.2 points per game.

Betting Insights

When considering betting options for this matchup, several factors come into play:

• Recent Performance: South Carolina State's ten-game winning streak indicates strong momentum, while North Carolina Central's recent buzzer-beater victory suggests resilience under pressure.
• Offensive Prowess: The Bulldogs' recent offensive surge, averaging 81.2 points over the last five games, contrasts with the Eagles' consistent scoring, averaging 74.4 points in the same span.
• Head-to-Head Matchup: In their last encounter on March 6, 2025, South Carolina State emerged victorious with an 87-71 win, with guard Omar Croskey contributing 26 points and nine rebounds.

Given these factors, bettors might consider the following:

1. Point Spread: South Carolina State's recent dominance suggests they might cover a moderate point spread.
2. Over/Under: Both teams have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, indicating a potential for a high-scoring game.
3. Moneyline: While South Carolina State appears to be the favorite, North Carolina Central's recent performances suggest they could provide value as an underdog.

North Carolina Central Eagles vs. South Carolina State Bulldogs Prediction

Considering the current form and statistical analysis, South Carolina State holds a slight edge in this semifinal matchup. Their ten-game winning streak and recent victory over North Carolina Central provide them with both momentum and confidence. However, the Eagles have shown resilience and the ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by their recent buzzer-beater win.

Key players to watch include South Carolina State's Drayton Jones and Omar Croskey, whose offensive contributions have been pivotal. For North Carolina Central, the performances of Po’Boigh King and Perry Smith Jr. will be crucial in determining their success.

In conclusion, while South Carolina State appears to have the upper hand, the competitive nature of tournament play means that North Carolina Central cannot be discounted. Bettors should weigh the Bulldogs' recent form against the Eagles' potential for an upset when making their decisions.