Norfolk State vs Hampton 12/17/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Hampton Pirates and the Norfolk State Spartans meet Saturday in college basketball action from MGM Arena. Hampton is 3-7 overall this year and coming off a loss to Bowling Green. As for Norfolk State, they’re sitting at 7-4 on the season. The Spartans beat Bowling Green on Wednesday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Hampton lost to James Madison, East Carolina, UCSB, North Alabama, Wake Forest and Georgia within their first seven games. The Pirates would then beat Howard and Loyola MD before a loss to Bowling Green. 

In the Bowling Green game last weekend, the Pirates trailed 48-32 by the break. Hampton scored 40 points in the second half but still lost 86-72. Jordan Nesbitt managed a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. 

Over on the Norfolk State side, they went 5-2 over their first seven games with losses to Baylor and UCLA. The Spartans hit a 2-2 run from there, losing to Houston and Old Dominion before wins over William & Mary and Bowling Green. 

In the Bowling Green game on Wednesday, Norfolk State was down by four points at the break. The Spartans hit a 47-37 run in the second half for an 81-75 comeback win. Cahiem Brown (20 points; 10 rebounds) and Kris Bankston (16 points; 10 rebounds) each doubled up. 

PICK: I’m going to stay with Norfolk State. The Spartans have had to face some tough teams so far this year; three of their four losses have come to ranked squads (Baylor, UCLA and Houston). Outside of that, Norfolk State has done quite well overall. As for Hampton, they’ve been at 66 points or fewer in two of the last four games and have given up some big points totals on the other side. If Norfolk State is playing to their capabilities here they should cover.