Norfolk State at Coppin State 1/23/21 - College Basketball Picks & Predictions

By: Lance |

Last Updated: 01/23/2021 at 9:17 PM ET

The Norfolk State Spartans travel on the road to take on the Coppin State Eagles. Norfolk State swept Delaware State in their last series, winning the back end of the doubleheader with a 83-89 overtime win, the fourth straight win for the Spartans. Coppin State is coming off a split with Morgan St, they won the second game 89-79 to improve to 5-9 on the year. 

These two squared off yesterday with Coppin State winning 81-71. Norfolk State shot just 35.1% from the field and 18.5% from three as Coppin State overcame 24 turnovers in the win.

Norfolk State stuttered to a start in its non-conference but has been one of the best offenses in the MEAC averaging 83.3 points per game in conference games. The Spartans have been impressive from beyond the arc posting the 19th best clip from beyond the arc shooting 39.4% from three. Norfolk State also gets to the line a ton, attempting over 25 per game the 5th most in the country. 

Sophomore guard DeVante Carter leads the Spartans scoring attack averaging 14.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and dishing out a team-high 3.6 assists per game. IN the frontcourt, Arkansas State transfer JJ Matthews has made some solid contributions in his first 11 games in a Norfolk State uniform; averaging 11.5 points and pulling down 4.8 rebounds per game. 

Copping State has struggled on the offensive end as well this season averaging 69.2 points per game ranking 236th in the country in scoring offense. The Eagles are shooting 38.4% from the field and 29% from three, both ranking outside the top-300 in college basketball. It’s a balanced scoring attack with four players averaging double-figures.

Senior forward Anthony Tarke is avearging team-highs with 16.3 points and 8.1 rebounds shooting 44.6% from the field. Fellow senior Dejuan Clayton is the point guard running the show, he’s dishing out a team-high 4.7 assists and adds 15.7 points despite shooting 31.5% from the field and 26.2% from beyond the arc.

Coppin State has been one of the worst defenses in college basketball this season allowing 80.5 points per game ranking 330th in the country in scoring offense. Opposing teams are shooting 44.6% from the field and the Eagles are 197th in KenPom adjusted defense. Norfolk State comes in allowing 71.3 points per game ranking 207th in the country in scoring defense with opponents shooting just 39.2% from the field, the 30th ranked field-goal defense. Norfolk State is 251st in KenPom adjusted defense.

With Coppin State winning the first matchup I see Norfolk State playing much better offensively in the rematch and avenging their loss. The Spartans had won their previous four games coming in and had been scoring the ball at will, they find that groove again and get the win over Coppin State. Norfolk State can’t shoot the ball much worse than they did and the defense has a better night. Final score prediction, Norfolk State wins and covers ATS 76-70.

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