The NC Central Eagles are set to face the Penn State Nittany Lions in a highly anticipated college basketball matchup at University Park, Pennsylvania. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on BTN.
Penn State enters this contest as a favorite, with a spread of -22.5 points and a total set at 149.5 points. Predictions indicate that the Nittany Lions are expected to cover the spread. Bettors are encouraged to utilize live NCAAB odds for the best lines.
NC Central comes into the game struggling, holding a record of 0-10 against Division I opponents this season. The Eagles have faced considerable challenges on offense, ranking among the bottom five nationally in both 2-point shooting percentage and block percentage. Their reliance on Gage Lattimore for scoring has not yielded consistent results, as only two players on the team are averaging over seven points per game. Additionally, NC Central’s defense has been ineffective, allowing numerous second-chance opportunities, which proves to be a significant concern heading into this matchup.
On the other hand, Penn State has had a break, with only one game played in the last 15 days. After a disappointing 34-point loss to Pittsburgh, they will be looking to rebound. Freddie Dilione V remains a standout player for the Nittany Lions, and they aim to leverage his offensive contributions against one of the weakest defensive teams. Penn State excels at forcing turnovers and creating empty possessions, and their defensive strategy will likely cause difficulties for NC Central’s slower pace of play.
The betting analysis indicates that the line initially opened at Penn State -21.5 with the total at 149.5, but expectations are for the Nittany Lions to perform at a higher level after reflecting on their recent losses. Key players like Dilione and Kayden Mingo could significantly impact the game, and with the Nittany Lions’ size advantage, they are expected to dominate the paint.
Overall, given their offensive struggles and defensive vulnerabilities, NC Central may find it challenging to keep pace with Penn State’s balanced attack. The Nittany Lions seem well-prepared to secure a convincing victory, making them a strong pick to cover the spread.