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The MEAC race tightens tonight as the North Carolina Central Eagles visit the South Carolina State Bulldogs in a pivotal conference matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET at the S-H-M Memorial Center in Orangeburg, SC, with the action streaming live on ESPN+. While NC Central (10-15, 6-3 MEAC) looks to climb the conference standings after a gritty win over Morgan State, South Carolina State (6-18, 4-4 MEAC) aims to defend their home court, where they have played their best basketball this season.
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NC Central vs South Carolina State Odds
The Eagles enter as slight road favorites, a reflection of their superior offensive efficiency and recent conference form. You can find the latest college basketball odds for this MEAC battle to see how the line fluctuates before tip-off.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| NC Central | -160 | -3.5 (-105) | O 139.5 (-115) |
| South Carolina State | +135 | +3.5 (-115) | U 139.5 (-105) |
North Carolina Central Betting Form
The Eagles are gaining momentum at the right time, most recently edging out Morgan State 80-76. Gage Lattimore led the way with 21 points, proving why he is one of the premier scorers in the MEAC. The North Carolina Central Eagles stats and results show a team that averages 72.2 points per game and ranks 13th nationally in turnovers generated at home—though they must find a way to translate that defensive pressure to the road, where they are just 2-10 this season.
The NC Central injury report is currently clear of major setbacks, allowing Coach LeVelle Moton to utilize his full defensive rotation. Senior guard Dionte Johnson remains the floor general, averaging 5.9 assists and 2.4 steals per game. His ability to disrupt the Bulldogs’ backcourt will be essential in overcoming the Eagles’ road woes.
South Carolina State Betting Form
The Bulldogs return home after a narrow 2-point loss to Coppin State. Despite their overall record, the South Carolina State schedule and stats reveal a significant home-court advantage at the S-H-M Memorial Center (5-4 record). Junior guard Jayden Johnson (12.9 PPG) and forward James Morrow provide a physical interior presence that could trouble a smaller Eagles lineup.
The South Carolina State injury report is also looking favorable, with no new players listed as out. The Bulldogs thrive when they can turn the game into a physical battle; they rank 144th in the nation in free-throw attempts, reflecting their aggressive style of play. To secure an upset, they will need to improve their 40.4% field goal percentage and minimize the 14.4 turnovers they commit per game.
NC Central vs South Carolina State Matchup Breakdown
This game is a contrast between NC Central’s ability to create chaos and South Carolina State’s desire to control the paint. The Eagles’ defense is their calling card, averaging 8.8 steals per game. If they can force the Bulldogs into transition mistakes, NC Central’s 72.2 PPG offense—led by Lattimore—should find plenty of easy looks.
However, the Bulldogs are much more resilient in Orangeburg. They allow 80.8 points per game overall, but that number drops significantly at home. The matchup between NC Central’s Kyric Davis (coming off a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double) and SC State’s Cameron Clark will decide who controls the glass. If the Bulldogs can win the rebounding battle and limit the Eagles’ second-chance points, they have a legitimate shot at the moneyline upset.
NC Central vs South Carolina State Predictions and Best Bets
While NC Central has the better record, their 2-10 road mark is a massive red flag for a 3.5-point favorite. South Carolina State has been competitive in conference play and typically shoots better in their home gym. Expect a high-energy environment that favors the home underdog in a game that likely comes down to the final possession.
Regarding the total, 139.5 feels slightly ambitious for two teams that rank outside the top 300 in offensive efficiency. Given the high stakes of MEAC positioning and the Bulldogs’ slower pace at home, the Under is the statistical lean. Our model projects a 70-68 finish.
Best Bet: South Carolina State +3.5 (-115).
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NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
For more MEAC insights and expert analysis on tonight’s full slate, visit today’s college basketball picks. Our platform features top sports handicappers with verified records in mid-major betting.
Check the handicapper leaderboard to find the experts currently on a winning streak. You can also buy premium NCAAB picks for full logic and unit recommendations. As the conference tournament draws near, keep an eye on the college basketball championship odds to see which MEAC dark horse might make a run.
