Monday College Basketball Betting Odds & Picks: Norfolk State vs. Coppin State, Bethune Cookman vs. Delaware State

Mondays in February provide the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at the low-major conferences, which can lead to prime betting spots.

Today, let's dive into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

First, we head to Norfolk State where the conference-leading Spartans welcome in a Coppin State team that has gone 3-3 in its last six games after starting conference play 0-4.

Next, we travel to Delaware State where the Hornets try to rebound off a double-overtime loss when they host Bethune Cookman.

Monday College Basketball Odds & Picks

Odds as of Wednesday morning and via FanDuel, where Action Network users get a risk-free bet up to $500.

Norfolk State vs. Coppin State

• Spread: Norfolk State -9
• Over/Under: 135.5
• Time: 8 p.m. ET

Norfolk State (12-13) is tied with North Carolina Central at 8-2 atop the MEAC standings. The Spartans have won two consecutive games (both at home), and defeated Coppin State 82-59 earlier this year on the road. They are 12-9 against the spread, covering four of their six conference home games.

Coppin State (8-19) has struggled to find consistency all season. The Eagles are 1-4 on the road in MEAC play, and have struggled severely against the spread recently. They're a respectable 13-14 ATS, but that includes covering ninne of their first 10 games. They are only 3-9 ATS in their past 12 contests.

Norfolk State is led by a trio of scoring guards in Jermaine Bishop (14.2 ppg, 38.1% 3P), Joe Bryant Jr. (12.4 ppg), and Steven Whitley (10.6 ppg). The defending regular-season MEAC champions have been scoring well at home, reaching 73 or more points in three of their past four games at Echols Hall.

The Spartans' offensive superiority has shown in conference play, ranking first in adjusted-offensive efficiency, 3P%, and second in effective field goal percentage.

They are also elite among conference opponents defensively, ranking second in adjusted defensive efficiency, forced turnover percentage, and third-best against the 3P holding opponents to just 27.6% from beyond the arc.

Coppin State does not match up well against Norfolk State, especially on offense. The Eagles will need to limit the turnovers against the Spartans pressure defense, and ranks dead-last in MEAC play in offensive rebounding and free throw shooting.

Defensively, Coppin State will try to limit the Norfolk State prowess from beyond the arc with the worst 3P defense in the MEAC, allowing conference opponents to shoot 36% from deep.

This is not an upset spot for Norfolk State, which already suffered a two-game losing streak last week. The Spartans will be ready for a Coppin State team that is coming off three tough games including a one-point overtime home win over Maryland Eastern Shore.

I'm taking Norfolk State to win a comfortable home game her.

Pick: Norfolk State -9

Delaware State vs. Bethune Cookman

• Spread: Bethune Cookman -8
• Over/Under: 162
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Bethune Cookman (12-13) is 6-5 in conference play, sitting in the middle of the MEAC. The Wildcats have struggled away from home with just two wins in their last 12 games. They are 11-11 ATS but just 1-3 in their last four road games.

Delaware State (3-21) is at the bottom of the MEAC standings but has played much more competitive recently. In their past five games, the Hornets have defeated Coppin State and lost by two points to Maryland Eastern Shore and Florida A&M. Despite the poor overall record, they are a respectable 9-13 ATS.

Delaware State's defense has held two of its last three opponents to 68 points or fewer and only allowed 97 points to Florida A&M as a result of double overtime.

The Hornets are led by senior guard John Crosby (20.1 ppg) who has eclipsed 18 points in the last 10 Delaware State home games. The Hornets will also feel comfortable attacking the interior of a Bethune Cookman defense that ranks last in MEAC play in blocks per game.

The Wildcats' defensive strength is guarding the 3P, where they have allowed opponents to only shoot 30.7%, 58th best in the country. However, Delaware State only generates 29% of their points from beyond the arc, and over 50% from 2P range.

Senior forward Cletrell Pope (13.9 ppg, 11.5 rpg) can be dominant inside for Bethune Cookman, but is also susceptible to foul trouble. The 6-foot-9 forward has averaged four fouls per game on the road throughout the season.

Delaware State last played the Wildcats at home in 2018, and faltered late to only lose 85-78.

I'm taking the points at home as Delaware State continues to improve.

Pick: Delaware State +8