Predictions, Picks, Odds, and Betting Lines for the Big South Title Game between Winthrop and High Point

• High Point is a 6.5-point favorite over Winthrop in Sunday’s Big South Title Game
• The Panthers have won 13 straight games
• See my Winthrop vs High Point picks and predictions below, plus betting lines

The High Point Panthers (28-5, 14-2 Big South) have never qualified for the NCAA Tournament. On Sunday, that could change. The Panthers face the Winthrop Eagles (23-10, 11-5 Big South) in the Big South title game, and online sportsbooks are bullish on High Point in the latest college basketball odds. Tip-off is scheduled for Noon ET at Freedom Hall, in Johnson City, TN, with ESPN2 providing the broadcast coverage.

Winthrop vs High Point Prediction (Big South Title Game)

I’m predicting the cream will rise to the top in this matchup. The Panthers won the Big South regular season crown, and enter on an absolute heater. They’ve won 13 straight games dating back to January 18th, which includes two victories over Sunday’s opponent.

High Point blasted the Eagles 88-66 last month, and 84-62 in late January. They shot 46.5% and 54.5% in those outings, holding Winthrop below 40% from the field each time. Those numbers should come as no surprise to Big South aficionado’s, as the Panthers are the conference’s top offense, and arguably the best defense.

High Point led the Big South in points per game, rebounding, shooting percentage, and three-point makes. They feature three 14+ points per night players, headlined by Kezza Giffa. The Senior guard averages 15 points per game, and scored 25 in the Panthers conference tourney quarterfinal win.

Their semifinal victory was a three-point nail bitter over Radford, but that result was an outlier during their current streak. 10 of High Point’s 13 wins have come by 9+ points. Two of the exceptions were contests versus Radford, while the other they put up 104 points in a victory over UNC Asheville.

Winthrop vs High Point Offensive Ranks

Defensively, the numbers are scary as well if you’re a Winthrop backer. The Panthers yield the lowest shooting percentage in the Big South, are tops on the defensive glass, and third in points allowed.

As for the Eagles, they’re also in good form. They’ve won five in a row, and their only two defeats in their last 12 contests have come versus High Point. Winthrop is the number two seed in the conference tourney, and are seeking a 12th appearance in the March Madness odds in the last 27 years.

The Eagles have won four straight by 9+ points, and have eclipsed 80 points in five consecutive games. Their offense has the ceiling to keep pace with the Panthers, the problem is their defense.

Winthrop surrendered 82 points per game in conference play. They allowed opponents to shot 46% from the field, and 38% from three. Over the last two months, they’ve yielded 90+ points on six separate occasions, and 84+ points in another five contests.

Winthrop vs High Point Pick

• High Point -6.5 (-105) at DraftKings

That’s ultra problematic versus a team like High Point, and one of the main reasons the Panthers -6.5 is my best bet. High Point ranks 23rd in adjusted offensive efficiency, the third highest mark of any non-Power 4 program.

While the Eagles are busy coughing up big games seemingly every other night, the Panthers have allowed only one team to eclipse 77 points during their win streak, and that was an overtime result.

High Point was the Big South regular season champ last year, but were upset in the Conference Championship Game. I’m betting they don’t let that happen again, and they finally earn an NCAA Tournament bid.

Winthrop vs High Point Odds & Betting Lines

The best odds we can get on the Panthers -6.5 in the Winthrop vs High Point betting lines is -105 at DraftKings. Per the college basketball public betting trends, the Panthers have covered in six of their last seven games, beating the spread by an average of 8 points in those contests. High Point is laying -265 on the moneyline in this matchup, while the total currently sits at 161.5

Odds as of March 8 at DraftKings. See the full list of DraftKings legal states.

The Big South Conference is gearing up for an exciting title game between Winthrop and High Point, two powerhouse teams that have dominated the competition all season long. As the game approaches, fans and bettors alike are eagerly awaiting the predictions, picks, odds, and betting lines for this highly anticipated matchup.

Winthrop, led by head coach Pat Kelsey, has been a force to be reckoned with this season. The Eagles have a strong offense, averaging over 80 points per game, and a stifling defense that has held opponents to just 65 points per game. With a record of 20-4 overall and 14-1 in conference play, Winthrop is the favorite to win the Big South title.

On the other side of the court, High Point has also had an impressive season under head coach Tubby Smith. The Panthers have a balanced attack on offense and a solid defense that has kept opponents on their toes all season long. With a record of 18-6 overall and 11-4 in conference play, High Point is looking to pull off an upset and claim the Big South title.

As for predictions and picks for this game, it’s shaping up to be a close matchup between two evenly matched teams. Winthrop may have the edge in terms of overall record and conference dominance, but High Point has proven to be a tough competitor all season long. It could come down to which team can execute better on both ends of the court.

In terms of odds and betting lines, Winthrop is currently favored to win the game by a narrow margin. The Eagles are listed as -3.5 point favorites, meaning they would need to win by at least 4 points to cover the spread. The over/under for total points scored in the game is set at 150 points.

For bettors looking to place a wager on this game, it’s important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of both teams before making a decision. While Winthrop may be the favorite, High Point has the potential to pull off an upset and claim the Big South title. It’s sure to be an exciting game that could go down to the wire.