North Carolina's Third Dancer Aims to Advance Past First Four

Here's the conundrum of so-called directional schools:

Why are the likes of Southern California, Southern Mississippi, Western Kentucky, South Florida, and Central Florida not stuck with the directional stigma?

Rhetorical question. They've all established themselves and made it to high-profile conferences.

 

The NCAA basketball tournament is one place where such a program can make a statement, like Florida Gulf Coast did a couple of seasons ago.

Then there's the University of Maryland-Baltimore County -- aka UMBC -- who've been elevated to mythical status.

Now comes a pretty damn good North Carolina Central squad. Could they be the next giant killer?

 

Well, OK.

But they can still make a bitta noise before they go. The think is, that's what North Dakota State's thinking, too.

Bovada has set the line of their First Four pairing at North Dakota State -5 with the total being 134 and the moneyline at North Carolina Central +200 and North Dakota State -240.

Why bet on North Carolina Central ...

The Dance isn't a new nesting ground for the Eagles. This is their third straight appearance, led by coach and alum LeVelle Moton. Now, all they've gotta do is win a game.

Dudes did that in the MEAC tournament. Central North Carolina was only 10-6 in conference play this season, which left them four games back of first-place Norfolk State. However, they they bounced back to win three straight when the rubber met the road.

They're a defense first-team that only averages 71.4 points per game off 45.6% shooting from the field and 31.5% shooting from three.

 

Why bet on North Dakota State ...

The Bison aren't strangers to the Madness, either. Like Central, they're a Division II program that made the jump and made good. Dudes are making their fourth appearance since 2009, although this is their first invitation since 2015.

Also like Central, North Dakota State finished mid-table in the Summit League, going  just 9-7 and finishing up five
games behind first-place South Dakota State. They've won their last four, including a sweep of a trio of conference tournament games.

The unique aspect of their attack is the shooting range of 6-10 Rocky Kreuser. The freshman's arc-popping at a .359 clip, which will stretch the undersized Eagles defense even more.

 

Instant analysis ...

North Carolina Central ended their season going 8-2 on the moneyline and 7-1-2 ATS.

North Dakota State have gone 7-3 ATS in their last 10. Although the Bison are favored, it makes sense to take the Eagles against the spread because State's only 4-7-1 ATS in away games while Central went 8-7-1 ATS in their away games.

ATS Pick: North Carolina Central +5

Result: North Dakota State 78 North Carolina Central 74 ... Eagles cover

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