Norfolk State Spartans vs Northern Kentucky Norse Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Norfolk State vs Northern Kentucky NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Highland Heights.

Norfolk State vs Northern Kentucky Prediction

Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Spartans and Norse. The game is starting at 1:00 ET on ESPN+, and it's hosted by the Norse at Truist Arena in Highland Heights, KY. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 139 points, and Northern Kentucky is favored by -3 at home against Norfolk State.

Norfolk State vs. Northern Kentucky Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Norfolk State Spartans at Northern Kentucky Norse
Where: Highland Heights at Truist Arena
Date: Sunday, December 15th
Betting Odds NKENT -3, NORFST +135 | NKENT -170 O/U 139

Spartans Preview: Will the Spartans Win in Highland Heights?

Norfolk State fell to 4-5 on the season after a 94-69 road loss to Baylor on Wednesday, December 11th. The Spartans were +25.5 point underdogs heading into the game but managed to cover the spread.

After trailing 39-33 at halftime, Norfolk State allowed 55 points in the 2nd half while scoring 36. The game’s total points of 163 exceeded the O/U line of 145.

Spartans Offense Breakdown

Norfolk State's offense put up 69 points in their last game, shooting 48.9% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 59.6%, thanks in part to hitting 55.6% from three-point range, connecting on 10 of 18 attempts.

Robert O. Wright III and VJ Edgecombe both contributed 16 points, with Wright also dishing out 13 assists. Norchad Omier was efficient, shooting 70% from the field and grabbing 7 rebounds in 26 minutes.

Spartans Team Defense

Norfolk State's defense struggled, giving up 94 points on 55% shooting from the field. The Spartans allowed 36 made field goals on 65 attempts.

Inside the arc, Norfolk State allowed 27/39 shooting (69%). From three-point range, they gave up 9/26 shooting (34%).

Norse Preview: Do the Norse Have What it Takes at Home?

Northern Kentucky Norse Recent Game/Games

Northern Kentucky improved to 2-6 on the season with a 66-64 road win over the Jaguars on Saturday. The Norse entered the game as -7.5 favorites but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 130, falling under the O/U line of 140.5.

Northern Kentucky trailed 33-29 at halftime but turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring the Jaguars 37-31 to secure the win.

Norse Offense Breakdown

In their previous game, Northern Kentucky put up 66 points, shooting 44.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 51.7%. They hit 34.6% from beyond the arc, connecting on 9 of 26 attempts, while shooting 53.1% on two-point shots.

Paul Zilinskas led the way with 24 points, hitting 6 of 9 from three-point range and shooting 57.1% overall. Jarvis Walker added 23 points, shooting 66.7% from the field and from three, while Trey Robinson contributed 19 points, shooting 70% overall.

Norse Team Defense

Despite Northern Kentucky allowing 64 points, their defense struggled to contain the opposition, who shot 51% from the field, including 50% from beyond the arc with 10 made threes.

They sent the other team to the line 9 times, where they converted 6 free throws. Northern Kentucky also gave up 7 offensive rebounds.

Spartans vs Norse Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last five road games, Norfolk State has averaged 71 points per game while allowing 75. The team's record in this stretch was 2-3 while going 5-0.
Across their ten previous home games, Northern Kentucky has an ATS mark of 5-5. Their straight up record in these matchups was 4-6 while averaging 70 points per game.
In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Spartans have a straight up record of 1-4 and an ATS mark of 4-1.
Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Norse have an overall record of 3-2 while going 2-3 against the spread.