Morgan State Bears vs North Carolina Central Eagles
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Final Score Morgan St 76 - NC Central 80
Spread: L
Total:
Matchup Analysis
This NCAAB matchup features Morgan State Bears (10-14 (6-5)) traveling to take on North Carolina Central Eagles (10-14 (8-4)) at McDougald-McLendon Arena, Durham, NC. These two teams are closely matched, with both squads posting similar scoring differentials this season. This projects as a competitive contest that could go either way.
NC Central averages 73.3 points per game, but they face a Morgan St defense that holds opponents to 73.8 PPG. The visitors' defensive prowess could limit the home team's scoring output. Meanwhile, Morgan St scores 73.3 PPG but faces a NC Central defense that limits opponents to 73.8 PPG. The home team's defensive effort could be the difference-maker.
Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and NC Central will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model projects NC Central to win by approximately 3.5 points. The 68% confidence interval ranges from NC Central winning by 16 to losing by 9.
Our model aligns closely with the market on this one, suggesting the oddsmakers have priced this game efficiently. Look for small edges in the total and moneyline markets to capitalize on any remaining value.
Team Comparison
MORG Morgan St
Stat
NCCU NC Central
10-14 (6-5)
Record
10-14 (8-4)
Last 10
73.3
PPG
73.3
73.8
Opp PPG
73.8
Current Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| MORG Morgan State Bears | +190 ↓ | +5.5 | O 146.5 |
| NCCU North Carolina Central Eagles | -230 ↑ | -5.5 | U 146.5 |
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Feb 19, 7:39 PM
Opening line: -5.5 / O/U 154.5
Model Projection
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| MORG Morgan State Bears | +157 | +3.5 | O 146.6 |
| NCCU North Carolina Central Eagles | -157 | -3.5 | U 146.6 |
Source: Model Updated: Feb 19, 7:08 PM
Our Picks
Spread
L
NC Central (opened at -5.5)
55% Confidence
Total
Pass
Model: 146.6 | Edge below threshold
Recent Trends
NC Central has struggled this season at 10-14 (8-4). The wins have been hard to come by, and the team is looking for answers on both ends of the floor. Home court advantage will be critical for any chance at pulling off an upset.
It's been a difficult season for Morgan St at 10-14 (6-5). Traveling to face NC Central presents a significant challenge, though every game is a chance to build for the future.
When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.
Matchup Edges
NC Central
Advantages
- Home court advantage and crowd support
- Familiarity with home venue and routines
Disadvantages
- Sub-.500 record at 10-14 (8-4) raises concerns
- Potential for inconsistency in key moments
Morgan St
Advantages
- Nothing to lose as the visiting team
- Road underdog motivation — play with less pressure
Disadvantages
- Playing on the road without home crowd support
- Struggling with a 10-14 (6-5) record this season