Charleston Southern Buccaneers vs North Alabama Lions Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Charleston Southern vs North Alabama NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Florence.

Charleston Southern vs North Alabama Prediction

Looking to win big? The Buccaneers and Lions face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Lions are hosting the game at Flowers Hall in Florence, AL. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 146.5 points, and North Alabama is favored by -9.5 at home against Charleston Southern.

Charleston Southern vs. North Alabama Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Charleston Southern Buccaneers at North Alabama Lions
Where: Florence at Flowers Hall
Date: Thursday, December 19th
Betting Odds NAL -9.5, CHSOU +352 | NAL -469 O/U 146.5

Buccaneers Preview: Do the Buccaneers Have What it Takes to Win as Road Underdogs?

Charleston Southern's season struggles continued with an 82-63 loss to South Carolina State on Monday, dropping their record to 2-9. The Buccaneers entered the game as +2.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 145, just over the 144.5-point O/U line.

After trailing 42-28 at halftime, Charleston Southern scored 35 points in the 2nd half but allowed 40, unable to close the gap.

Buccaneers Offense Breakdown

Charleston Southern's offense struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 2 of 16 threes (12.5%) in their last game. They were more effective inside, shooting 62.5% on two-point attempts, contributing to an overall field goal percentage of 45.8% and an effective field goal percentage of 47.9%. Their free-throw shooting was also lacking, as they made only 58.6% of their attempts from the line.

Drayton Jones led the way with 34 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 76.5% from the field. Taje' Kelly added 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Reis Jones contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds, hitting 87.5% of his shots. The Buccaneers finished with 10 assists and 9 offensive rebounds in the game.

Buccaneers Team Defense

Charleston Southern's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 82 points on 47% shooting from the field. They allowed 64% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 29 of 45 shots inside the arc.

From beyond the three-point line, Charleston Southern held the opposing team to just 10% shooting, as they made only 2 of 20 attempts. The Buccaneers also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 25 times, where they converted 18 free throws for a 72% success rate.

Lions Preview: Can North Alabama Secure a Home Victory?

North Alabama Lions Recent Game/Games

North Alabama improved to 5-4 on the season with a 74-67 road win over East Carolina on Wednesday. The Lions entered the game as +7.5 point underdogs and not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.

North Alabama led 36-22 at halftime before allowing 45 points in the 2nd half, while scoring 38 of their own. The total points for the game ended at 141, just over the O/U line of 139.5.

Lions Offense Breakdown

North Alabama put up 74 points in their last game, shooting 46.3% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 55.6%, and they hit 83.3% of their free throws, going 15-for-18 from the line.

Jacari Lane led the way with 19 points, hitting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, while C.J. Walker added 18 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Taye Fields contributed 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, shooting 71.4% from the field.

Lions Team Defense

North Alabama's defense held their opponent to 67 points, allowing them to shoot 41% from the field. The Lions gave up 20 two-point baskets on 36 attempts, a 55% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, North Alabama limited their opponent to just 5 made threes on 24 attempts, a 20% success rate. The Lions also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 12 free throws, shooting 63%. North Alabama allowed 7 offensive rebounds.

Buccaneers vs Lions Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

When looking at their past ten road matchups, Charleston Southern has an ATS record of 5-4-1 while averaging 66 per game. The team went 2-8 overall in these games.
Across the Lions last ten home games, the team averaged 70 points per game while allowing 74. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 4-6, while going 5-5 straight-up.
Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Buccaneers have a strong record vs the spread going 2-1. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
The Lions have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 2-1 straight up and 2-1 against the spread.