The Hampton Pirates are set to face the North Carolina A&T Aggies in a highly anticipated NCAA Men’s Basketball showdown. Both teams have displayed flashes of brilliance this season, and their contrasting play styles add an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Arena: Corbett Sports Center, Greensboro, NC
With a total points line set at 145.5, the big question is: will this game go OVER or UNDER the total? Let’s dive into the analysis.
Current Form: Hampton Pirates
The Hampton Pirates enter this game with a solid 5-3 record in conference play. They have been playing efficient basketball, particularly on the offensive end, averaging 74.3 points per game. The Pirates’ offensive production is spearheaded by their standout guard, Jordan Nesbitt, who averages 18.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Nesbitt’s ability to attack the rim and knock down perimeter shots makes him a focal point of Hampton’s offense.
Another key contributor is forward Marquis Godwin, who adds 14.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 38% from beyond the arc. Hampton’s rebounding has also been a strength, with the team averaging 36.7 boards per game, led by center Amari Kelly. The Pirates’ up-tempo style often creates high-scoring games, as they rank in the top 50 nationally in possessions per game.
Recent Trends
- The Pirates have gone OVER the total in 4 of their last 5 games.
- They’ve scored 78+ points in 3 consecutive contests.
- Their defense has struggled, allowing an average of 74.8 points per game over the last 5 outings.
Current Form: North Carolina A&T Aggies
The North Carolina A&T Aggies come into this matchup as a +2.5 underdog, but their recent performances suggest they’re more than capable of pulling off an upset. The Aggies boast a balanced attack, averaging 71.2 points per game. Guard Demetric Horton leads the team with 16.1 points per game, showcasing his scoring versatility. Horton’s ability to drive the lane and create for his teammates makes him a crucial piece of the Aggies’ game plan.
Supporting Horton is forward Kam Woods, who contributes 13.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The Aggies excel in transition, utilizing their athleticism to generate fast-break points. While their defense has been inconsistent, they’ve shown the ability to lock down opponents when playing at home, where they are 5-1 this season.
Recent Trends
- The Aggies have gone OVER the total in 3 of their last 4 home games.
- They’ve scored 75+ points in 4 of their last 6 games.
- Defensively, they’ve allowed an average of 72.5 points per game in their previous 5 matchups.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Jordan Nesbitt vs. Demetric Horton
This battle of backcourt stars will likely determine the game’s outcome. Nesbitt’s scoring prowess will test Horton’s defensive capabilities, while Horton’s all-around game could exploit gaps in Hampton’s perimeter defense.
2. Rebounding Battle
Hampton’s Amari Kelly leads a strong rebounding unit, but North Carolina A&T’s Kam Woods will aim to neutralize this advantage. Second-chance opportunities could tip the scales in favor of the more dominant rebounding team.
3. Tempo Control
The Pirates thrive in a fast-paced game, while the Aggies are more comfortable in a controlled tempo. Whichever team dictates the pace will likely gain the upper hand.
Why I’m Picking the OVER 145.5 Total Points
After analyzing the trends, key statistics, and playing styles, I’m confident this game will exceed the 145.5 total points line. Here’s why:
1. Both Teams Excel Offensively
Hampton’s offense is firing on all cylinders, averaging over 74 points per game. North Carolina A&T, while slightly less potent, has consistently scored in the low 70s. Combined, their offensive efficiency points to a high-scoring affair.
2. Defensive Vulnerabilities
Both teams have shown weaknesses on defense. Hampton’s tendency to allow open looks from three-point range and the Aggies’ struggles to protect the paint create opportunities for scoring on both ends.
3. Recent Scoring Trends
The OVER has hit frequently in games involving these teams. With both squads playing at a fast pace and capitalizing on transition opportunities, this game has all the makings of another high-scoring contest.
4. Home-Court Boost
North Carolina A&T’s home performance has been stellar, averaging 76.4 points per game at the Corbett Sports Center. The energy from their fans will likely elevate their scoring output.
Predicted Final Scores Using NCAA Prediction Models
To solidify the pick, here are five trusted NCAA Basketball prediction models:
- KenPom Model: Hampton 77, North Carolina A&T 74 – Total: 151
- Sagarin Ratings: Hampton 78, North Carolina A&T 72 – Total: 150
- TeamRankings Projection: Hampton 75, North Carolina A&T 73 – Total: 148
- Haslametrics Model: Hampton 76, North Carolina A&T 74 – Total: 150
- BartTorvik Analysis: Hampton 79, North Carolina A&T 73 – Total: 152
Average Projected Total Points: 150.2
Conclusion
The Hampton Pirates and North Carolina A&T Aggies are poised for an exciting contest at the Corbett Sports Center. With both teams featuring potent offenses and defensive vulnerabilities, this game has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair. Based on the analysis, trends, and prediction models, I’m confidently backing the OVER 145.5 total points.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying NCAA Men’s Basketball matchup.
PICK: over 145.5 total points
