Alabama State Hornets vs. Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils Prediction and Betting Tips

Posted on February 17, 2025 by author in Betting

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The Alabama State Hornets and the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils are set to clash in a highly anticipated SWAC matchup on Monday, February 17, 2025. This game, scheduled for 7:00 PM ET at the Harrison HPER Complex in Itta Bena, Mississippi, promises to be an exciting showdown. With the Hornets looking to solidify their standing in the conference and the Delta Devils aiming to break a losing streak, this game has significant implications for both teams. In this article, we’ll dive into the latest odds, betting insights, and predictions to help you make informed decisions.

Game Overview

The Alabama State Hornets (11-14, 7-5 SWAC) are coming off a strong 75-63 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, led by Antonio Madlock’s 20-point performance29. On the other hand, the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (3-22, 1-11 SWAC) are struggling, having lost three consecutive games and managing only one conference win this season.

The Hornets are heavy favorites in this matchup, with a spread of -18.5 points and a moneyline of -3030, while the Delta Devils are underdogs at +120037. The over/under for the game is set at 138.5 points, reflecting the contrasting offensive and defensive capabilities of both teams.

Key Betting Insights

Spread and Moneyline Analysis

Alabama State has been dominant against the spread (ATS) when favored by 18.5 points or more, boasting a perfect 1-0 record this season5. Meanwhile, Mississippi Valley State has struggled as an underdog, covering the spread in only four of their 15 games when facing a deficit of 18.5 points or more.

The Hornets’ moneyline odds of -3030 imply a 96.5% chance of winning, while the Delta Devils’ +1200 odds suggest a mere 7.6% probability of an upset7. Given Alabama State’s recent form and Mississippi Valley State’s ongoing struggles, the Hornets are the safer bet in this category.

Over/Under Trends

The total points line of 138.5 is intriguing, as both teams average a combined 128.3 points per game, which is 10.2 points below the over/under57. However, Alabama State’s games have exceeded this total in 14 of their 23 matchups this season, while Mississippi Valley State has done so in 11 of their 25 games.

Given the Hornets’ ability to score and the Delta Devils’ defensive vulnerabilities, the over might be a viable option for bettors.

Team Performance Breakdown

Alabama State Hornets

The Hornets have been a mixed bag this season, with a 11-14 overall record but a respectable 7-5 standing in SWAC play23. They average 74.5 points per game, ranking 175th in the nation, while allowing 76.4 points, placing them 305th defensively.

Key players to watch include:

Antonio Madlock: The team’s leader in rebounds (6.8) and assists (2.8), Madlock is also a reliable scorer, averaging 12.1 points per game.
Amarr Knox: Leading the team in scoring with 15.2 points per game, Knox is a versatile player who contributes in steals and assists.
CJ Hines: A sharpshooter from beyond the arc, Hines averages 13.9 points over the last 10 games and is a key offensive weapon.

Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils

The Delta Devils have had a dismal season, with a 3-22 record and only one conference win37. They average just 53.8 points per game, ranking 364th nationally, while allowing 82.5 points, which is among the worst in college basketball.

Top performers for Mississippi Valley State include:

Arthur Tate: The team’s leading scorer with 10.5 points per game, Tate is also a consistent three-point shooter.
Alvin Stredic Jr.: Averaging 9.7 points and 5.0 rebounds, Stredic is a key contributor on both ends of the floor.
Donovan Sanders: Known for his playmaking, Sanders leads the team in assists (2.5) and adds 8.6 points per game.

Head-to-Head History

Alabama State has dominated recent matchups against Mississippi Valley State, winning four of the last five games39. Their most recent encounter on January 4, 2025, saw the Hornets secure an 84-55 victory, thanks to a 50% shooting performance and strong defensive play.

Expert Predictions and Betting Tips

Prediction: Alabama State 78, Mississippi Valley State 65.
ATS Pick: Mississippi Valley State +18.5. While the Hornets are favored, the Delta Devils have shown resilience in covering large spreads.
Over/Under Pick: Over 138.5. Alabama State’s offensive firepower and Mississippi Valley State’s defensive struggles make the over a strong possibility.

Final Thoughts

The Alabama State Hornets are poised to extend their dominance over the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils in this SWAC showdown. With a strong offense and a favorable spread, the Hornets are the clear favorites. However, bettors should consider the Delta Devils’ ability to cover large spreads and the potential for a high-scoring game when making their picks.

For more betting insights and live college basketball coverage, tune into the SWAC Digital Network or explore streaming options like ESPN+ and Fubo.

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