The two best teams in the MEAC this season meet in the conference tournament championship game with No. 1 seed Norfolk State taking the hardwood against the No. 2 seed South Carolina State. Coverage begins on ESPN2 at 1:00 p.m. ET from Norfolk Scope Arena in Virginia.
While it’s not technically Norfolk State’s home court, it’s just a seven-minute drive from where the Spartans normally play, essentially giving the top seed in the conference an edge.
With the Spartans having the crowd on its side, and the better offense, my South Carolina State vs. Norfolk State predictions and college basketball picks for Saturday, March 15 believe in the No. 1 seed.
Who will win South Carolina State vs Norfolk State?
After playing twice in the regular season, and each team winning once at home, I’m expecting the Norfolk State Spartans to pull out the win to take the season series. While not technically at home, the Spartans will have home court advantage at Norfolk Scope Arena, and we’ve seen that be the difference in the series this season. I have Norfolk State taking this one 72-68.
South Carolina State vs Norfolk State prediction
My best bet: Norfolk State -2 (-110 at bet365)
This will be the fifth time in the last six MEAC tournaments that Norfolk State takes the court in the conference championship game. Head coach Robert Jones has turned the Spartans into a MEAC power, and this year’s team has been carried by a ferocious offense.
With guard Brian Moore Jr. leading the charge, the Murray State transfer is putting up the second-most PPG in the conference (18.7), and the Spartans lead the MEAC in adjusted offensive efficiency this season, per KenPom. Sitting 156th in the country by that metric, they have a massive advantage over a South Carolina State Bulldogs team that’s just 239th.
That’s going to be the difference in this matchup, with Norfolk State putting up 81.1 PPG in conference games and leading MEAC play in field goal percentage (50.1%), made 2-pointers per game (24.6), and assists per game (15.5). The Bulldogs don’t have a scorer capable of taking over the game to help them keep up, as no players on Erik Martin’s team average more than 13.3 PPG.
While the S.C. State defense is the best in the conference (71.9 points allowed per game) and has been what’s made them a tough out in the MEAC this year, Norfolk State’s defense hasn’t been far behind. The Spartans are allowing the second-fewest PPG in conference play (72.1) and the lowest field goal percentage (43.8%).
Ultimately, I think the crowd and Moore’s scoring prowess will be the difference in a game featuring two clashing styles between fairly equally-matched programs.
South Carolina State vs Norfolk State same-game parlay (SGP)
Norfolk State -2
Brian Moore Jr. Over 15.5 points
Omar Croskey Over 1.5 made 3-pointers
Moore has been as dynamic as it gets for Norfolk State this season. He closed out the regular season with three straight games of 21-plus points, including dropping 27 on South Carolina State.
He could be in for a repeat performance again today having gone Over 15.5 points in 23 of 33 games this season, including in both matchups with the Bulldogs. For South Carolina State to stay in the game, it’ll need Omar Croskey to step up.
The All-MEAC guard is coming off a five 3-pointer performance in the semifinal and has average two made 3-pointers per game in conference play. He hit two threes in both games against the Spartans this season.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game CBB moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your school goes up by 18+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
South Carolina State vs Norfolk State odds
South Carolina State vs Norfolk State live odds
South Carolina State vs Norfolk State opening odds
- Spread: South Carolina State +2 | Norfolk State -2
- Moneyline: South Carolina State +120 | Norfolk State -140
- Over/Under: Over 144 | Under 144
Odds courtesy of bet365
South Carolina State vs Norfolk State betting trend to know
Norfolk State has covered the spread in 55.2% of its games since 2020. Find more college basketball betting trends for South Carolina State vs. Norfolk State.
How to watch South Carolina State vs Norfolk State
| Location | Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA |
| Date | Saturday, 3-15-2025 |
| Tip-off | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
South Carolina State vs Norfolk State key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
