NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Game Preview: Coppin State Eagles @ Navy Midshipmen
The Coppin State Eagles head to Annapolis on Friday afternoon for a non-conference matchup against the Navy Midshipmen at Alumni Hall. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM ET, with streaming coverage available on ESPN+. This MEAC versus Patriot League meeting features two programs heading in opposite directions, as the Coppin State Eagles continue to search for consistency while the Navy Midshipmen look to capitalize on a favorable home matchup. Oddsmakers have installed Navy as a heavy favorite, opening at -19.5 on the spread with a massive -8000 moneyline, while Coppin State comes back at +19.5 and +2150. The total is set at 143.5 points, reflecting expectations of a controlled, defense-oriented game.
Data-Driven Picks Across College Hoops
$9 gets you in the game
Odds and Key Information
The betting market has shown little hesitation backing Navy, as the Midshipmen’s spread has held firm at -19.5 since opening. That stability suggests the market is comfortable with Navy’s ability to separate against a Coppin State team that has struggled mightily away from home. The moneyline gap reinforces that sentiment, pricing Navy as close to a lock while positioning Coppin State as a long-shot underdog.
The total of 143.5 sits slightly above the combined scoring averages of these teams, an indication that books are accounting for Navy’s efficiency at home but still respecting the overall pace and defensive tendencies of both sides. One strong analytical observation is that Navy’s edge is not built on offensive explosions but on controlling possessions, rebounding, and forcing opponents into inefficient looks. That profile often leads to margins that grow steadily rather than rapidly.
From a situational standpoint, Navy enters off a disciplined conference win, while Coppin State is coming off a lopsided loss where defensive breakdowns were a major issue. Coaches on both sides have emphasized fundamentals this week, with Navy focusing on execution and Coppin State stressing shot selection and transition defense.
Coppin State Eagles Outlook
Coppin State’s 2-12 record reflects a difficult non-conference schedule and persistent issues on the defensive end. The Eagles are coming off a 107-77 loss to Radford, a game that once again highlighted their inability to consistently slow opponents once pace increases. Despite the result, there were individual positives, particularly from Hussain Williams, who scored 19 points on efficient shooting, and Hassan Perkins, who added 15 points while converting over 70 percent of his attempts.
Offensively, Coppin State averages 65.4 points per game and plays at a middle-of-the-pack tempo nationally. Their free-throw shooting, hovering above 72 percent, is one area of relative strength and gives them a way to score when the game bogs down. Taj Thweatt and Nelson Lamizana have also shown flashes of scoring efficiency, especially when defenses collapse inside.
The challenge for Coppin State in this matchup is sustaining that efficiency against a disciplined Navy defense that rarely gives up easy baskets. On the road, the Eagles are just 1-11, and many of those losses have come by double digits. To stay competitive, Coppin State will need to limit turnovers, avoid extended scoring droughts, and prevent Navy from building early momentum. Bettors evaluating Coppin State’s profile can compare it to other MEAC teams on the broader NCAAB teams page for context.
Navy Midshipmen Outlook
Navy enters Friday’s game at 6-5 overall, with a solid 4-2 record at Alumni Hall. The Midshipmen are coming off a 61-56 win over Air Force, a game that exemplified their identity: patient offense, physical rebounding, and strong perimeter defense. Austin Benigni led the way with 25 points, while Aidan Kehoe dominated the glass with 15 rebounds, underscoring Navy’s inside-out balance.
The Midshipmen average roughly 72 points per game and are highly efficient from the free-throw line, converting over 76 percent of their attempts. That efficiency is particularly important when laying a large number, as it allows Navy to extend leads late without relying on perimeter shooting. Defensively, Navy has been consistent at home, holding opponents below their season scoring averages in most matchups.
From a matchup perspective, Navy’s structure poses problems for Coppin State. The Midshipmen defend without fouling excessively, rebound well, and are comfortable playing through the shot clock. Those traits often wear down teams with limited depth or defensive discipline. As long as Navy avoids complacency and maintains focus, this is a spot where their system advantage should be evident. Bettors tracking Patriot League trends can find similar profiles across daily matchups listed on the college basketball previews page.
Key Matchup Table
| Key Factor | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Defensive efficiency | Navy |
| Free-throw shooting | Navy |
| Road performance | Navy |
| Individual scoring flashes | Coppin State |
| Pace control | Navy |
Betting Trends
Coppin State has struggled against the spread this season, particularly as a sizable underdog on the road, where defensive lapses have led to runaway losses. Totals involving the Eagles have leaned under when facing teams that slow tempo and limit transition opportunities.
Navy, meanwhile, has been more reliable ATS at home, especially when favored by double digits against non-conference opponents. Their games have frequently trended under the total, as the Midshipmen prioritize efficiency and defense over pace. Head-to-head meetings between MEAC and Patriot League teams often follow a similar pattern, with disciplined home favorites covering by grinding out advantages rather than racing to high scores.
For bettors comparing this matchup to others on the board, the college basketball picks page offers additional insight into how large spreads and mid-140s totals have performed across the slate.
The Lean
This matchup sets up clearly in Navy’s favor. The Midshipmen have advantages in depth, discipline, defense, and home-court performance, all of which matter when laying a number as large as -19.5. Coppin State’s occasional scoring efficiency is unlikely to be enough to offset defensive shortcomings against a structured opponent like Navy.
The total at 143.5 appears slightly inflated given both teams’ season averages and preferred pace. Navy is comfortable winning games in the low-to-mid 60s, and Coppin State’s offense has struggled to maintain production against quality defenses. Unless Coppin State shoots well above its norm, this game profiles as one that stays under the posted number.
For more context across the full slate of games, bettors can review additional analysis on the college basketball previews hub.
Projected Final Score: Navy 78, Coppin State 56
Best Spread Pick: Navy -19.5
Total Lean: Under 143.5
Why You Need Expert Picks
Heavy-favorite games like Coppin State versus Navy often look straightforward, but value still depends on understanding pace, matchup edges, and situational motivation. ScoresAndStats emphasizes accountability and transparency through its Handicappers Leaderboard available on the college basketball picks page, allowing bettors to evaluate which experts consistently deliver results.
Expert projections are especially valuable in large-spread games, where garbage-time scoring and rotation decisions can swing outcomes against the number. Bettors looking to refine their approach to totals, favorites, and bankroll management can also benefit from the broader insights found in the expert betting guide and by evaluating trusted sources through the handicappers sites reviews.
