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The Hampton Pirates and the North Carolina A&T Aggies are set to meet for a late night Coastal Athletic Association clash this Friday, February 13, 2026. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 PM ET, and interestingly, this game is taking place at The Forum in Los Angeles. While both schools are East Coast fixtures, they are heading out west for this neutral site showcase, which will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
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Hampton comes into this one with a 12-13 overall record, trying to find some consistency as the conference schedule winds down. North Carolina A&T sits at 9-14, looking to improve their standing after some recent stumbles. The Pirates open as a 3.5 point favorite in a game with a total set at 139.5. Given the neutral floor and the late start time, there are several variables that could impact how these teams adjust to the California environment.
Neither side has been particularly dominant lately, but this matchup presents a unique opportunity for both to grab a win on a big stage. Hampton is looking to build on a tight three-point victory in their last outing, while the Aggies are trying to bounce back from an eight-point loss. With the moneyline sitting at -174 for Hampton and +137 for North Carolina A&T, the markets are expecting a relatively competitive contest throughout the night.
Hampton vs North Carolina A&T Odds
Bettors should remember that these figures represent the current market and can shift as tip-off approaches. It is always wise to check the latest college basketball odds before placing any wagers to ensure you are getting the best possible price.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Hampton | -174 | -3.5 (-110) | O 139.5 (-116) |
| North Carolina A&T | +137 | +3.5 (-114) | U 139.5 (-104) |
Hampton Betting Form
Hampton has been a bit of a mixed bag this season. Their 12-13 record suggests they are a middle of the road squad, but their struggles away from home are hard to ignore. They have gone just 2-10 in true road games, which makes you wonder if playing on a neutral court at The Forum will actually be a relief for them. They recently managed to grind out a win against William & Mary, led by a monster performance from Xzavier Long who put up 13 points and 14 rebounds. When Long is active on the glass like that, it opens up a lot of second-chance opportunities for shooters like Etienne Strothers.
The Pirates average about 70.1 points per game, but they don’t always get there efficiently. They rely heavily on getting to the free-throw line and controlling the boards to compensate for some shaky field goal percentages. Perhaps the most encouraging sign for Hampton fans is the emergence of Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt and Daniel Johnson as secondary scoring options. If those two can provide a spark from the perimeter, it takes a lot of pressure off the frontcourt. You should definitely check the Hampton injury report to see if their rotation remains intact for this trip to Los Angeles, as depth will be tested with the travel.
Defensively, Hampton has shown they can be vulnerable, especially when they fail to track shooters in transition. They rank fairly well in total rebounding at 123rd nationally, but they often put opponents on the line too frequently. For those digging into Hampton stats and results, the trend is clear: they win when they win the physical battle in the paint. If they can force a half-court game and use their size advantage, they usually cover.
North Carolina A&T Betting Form
North Carolina A&T enters this game at 9-14 and they have been struggling to find a rhythm offensively in their recent outings. Their loss to Campbell was a prime example where they shot the ball reasonably well at 45.9 percent but couldn’t get the stops when they needed them. Lewis Walker has been the bright spot, coming off a 17-point performance, and Will Felton has been a reliable presence inside. The Aggies are a team that lives and dies by their aggression. They actually rank 14th in the country in free throw attempts per game, which is a massive stat for bettors to keep an eye on.
Playing at a neutral site might actually suit the Aggies better than a true road game. They have been much more comfortable at home this year, and the energy of a venue like The Forum could give them a boost. I think their ability to draw fouls is going to be the deciding factor here. If they can get Hampton’s bigs into early foul trouble, the Pirates don’t have the depth to keep up. Before you lock in any plays, make sure to look at the North Carolina A&T injury report to verify the status of their backcourt rotation.
The Aggies also hold a slight edge in the rebounding department, ranking 79th in total boards per game. This suggests that even if they miss shots, they are capable of keeping possessions alive. When you look at North Carolina A&T schedule and stats, you see a team that is gritty and stays in games longer than they probably should. They might not have the highest ceiling in the conference, but they are rarely an easy out, especially when Walker and Trent Middleton Jr. are clicking.
Hampton vs North Carolina A&T Matchup Breakdown
This matchup is going to be won or lost at the free-throw line. Both teams have a tendency to play a physical brand of basketball that leads to a lot of whistles. North Carolina A&T’s ranking of 14th in free throw attempts is the standout metric here. If this game is called tightly by the officials, the Aggies could spend the entire second half at the stripe. Hampton isn’t bad in that department either, ranking 146th, so we could see a lot of clock stoppages in the final ten minutes.
The rebounding battle is another area where these two are closely matched. North Carolina A&T averages a few more boards per game, but Hampton’s Xzavier Long is arguably the best individual glass-cleaner on the floor. I suspect the tempo will be somewhat controlled, as neither team wants to get into a track meet where their depth issues could be exposed. If you are looking for more insight on how to weigh these factors, a college basketball betting guide can help explain why these specific metrics matter more in neutral site games.
- Hampton’s road struggles (2-10) may be neutralized by the LA venue.
- North Carolina A&T’s elite free-throw creation (14th nationally).
- The rebounding edge for the Aggies (79th vs 123rd).
- Late-night travel and potential fatigue for East Coast teams.
Shot selection will be critical. Hampton has struggled with their percentages from deep, and if they start settling for contested threes, the Aggies will run them off the floor. Conversely, if Hampton can feed the post and use their size, they should be able to dictate the terms. It is also worth checking the ncaa women’s basketball championship odds if you are tracking conference strength across the board during this busy February stretch.
Hampton vs North Carolina A&T Predictions and Best Bets
When I look at this spread of 3.5, I can’t help but feel it’s a little too high for a Hampton team that has been so poor away from home. Yes, it’s a neutral site, but the Aggies have the statistical profile of a team that keeps things close. Their ability to get to the free-throw line is a “get out of jail free” card that keeps them in games even when their jumpers aren’t falling. Hampton’s offensive efficiency is a major concern for me, and I think they’ll have a hard time pulling away.
The total is also very interesting at 139.5. Both of these teams have defensive lapses and a high foul rate. More fouls mean more free throws with the clock stopped, which is a recipe for an Over. While neither team is an offensive juggernaut, the lack of disciplined defense should allow for plenty of scoring opportunities. The model projects a final score somewhere in the neighborhood of 75-71 in favor of the Aggies, which would easily clear the total and the spread.
I’m taking the points with the underdog here. North Carolina A&T has the rebounding and the foul-drawing ability to win this game outright, let alone cover 3.5. Hampton has some nice pieces, but their inconsistency makes them a risky play as a favorite on the West Coast. I also like the Over, as the late-night atmosphere and defensive styles should lead to a higher-scoring affair than the oddsmakers expect.
Best Bet: North Carolina A&T +3.5 (-114).
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