NCAAB January 12, 2026

This MEAC conference matchup features two teams battling for positioning in the mid-pack of the standings. North Carolina Central comes in as slight favorites despite being on the road, which tells you everything about how these two programs stack up. The Eagles have shown more consistency this season, particularly on the defensive end where they're limiting opponents to under 70 points per game.

Morgan State has struggled to find their footing at Hill Field House this season. The Bears' offense has been inconsistent, with too many games where they fail to crack 65 points. Their home crowd can get into games, but they need to execute better in the halfcourt if they want to hang with MEAC contenders.

The 1.5-point spread is essentially a pick 'em game. Road favorites in MEAC play historically struggle, but NC Central has the defensive chops to make this a grind-it-out affair. The total at 147.5 reflects the expected pace - neither team pushes tempo, and both prefer to win in the 60s. Under might be the smart play here.

A Patriot League clash that actually gets national TV exposure on CBS Sports Network. Navy has been one of the conference's more competitive teams this season, playing a structured, disciplined style that maximizes their roster limitations. The Mids aren't going to blow you out, but they rarely beat themselves either.

American has struggled in Patriot League play, and their home-court advantage at Bender Arena hasn't been the edge it used to be. The Eagles' offense has been anemic at times, and they lack the athletes to keep up with more physical opponents. This is a program still trying to find its identity under the current coaching staff.

The 3.5-point line feels about right for Navy on the road against a struggling American squad. The absurdly low total at 138.5 screams ugly, grinding basketball - exactly what Navy wants. If you're betting this game, the under is probably the safest play. Neither team has the firepower for a shootout.

A SWAC road game for Southern as they head to Daytona Beach to take on Bethune-Cookman. The Jaguars have been one of the conference's better teams this season, and their balanced attack gives opponents trouble. Southern doesn't rely on any single player, which makes them hard to game-plan for in the mid-major ranks.

Bethune-Cookman has been competitive at home in Moore Gymnasium, where the atmosphere can get surprisingly rowdy for a program that's had its struggles. The Wildcats have the athletes to hang with most SWAC opponents, but their inconsistency has been the killer. When they're engaged defensively, they can make games tough. When they're not, the wheels fall off quickly.

Southern as 4.5-point road favorites in a conference game is a significant statement. The Jaguars are the better team, but SWAC road games are unpredictable. Home cooking matters in this conference, and Bethune-Cookman might keep this close enough to cover, even if Southern wins outright.