The Delaware State Hornets (14-17) and North Carolina Central Eagles (18-12) meet in the semifinals of the MEAC Tournament Friday at the Norfolk (Va.) Scope Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s'lines around the Delaware State vs. North Carolina Central odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
No. 6 seed Delaware State surprised 3rd-seeded South Carolina State 71-58 Thursday night in the quarterfinals. The Hornets were a 2.5-point underdog, and the Under (134.5) connected. Del State entered the tournament just 1-4 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) in the past 5 games.
No. 2 seed North Carolina Central took care of No. 7 seed Maryland-Eastern Shore in the Quarterfinals on Wednesday, but it was a tussle. The Eagles were 9-point favorites, but didn’t get separation against UMES until the final moments, winning 87-81 as the Over (133.5) easily connected.
NCCU faced Del State twice during the regular season, with the Eagles sweeping the series. It won 69-66 on the road Jan. 29 as a 2.5-point favorite as the Over (134) cashed, and it won 93-81 in Durham on Feb. 26 as a 6-point favorite, also hitting the Over (135.5). The Over is a common theme for the Eagles, cashing in 9 straight outings.