Gardner Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs vs. Longwood Lancers Prediction and Betting Tips

The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs and the Longwood Lancers are set to face off in an exciting college basketball matchup on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Joan Perry Brock Center in Farmville, Virginia. This game is crucial for both teams as they are tied in the Big South Conference standings with identical 5-7 records. With both teams looking to improve their standings, this promises to be a thrilling encounter. In this article, we’ll dive into the latest stats, key players, betting trends, and predictions to help you make informed decisions.

Game Overview

• Date and Time: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET
• Location: Joan Perry Brock Center, Farmville, Virginia
• TV Channel: ESPN+
• Betting Odds: Longwood -1.5, Over/Under: 149.5 points.

Both teams are coming off mixed performances in their recent games. Longwood is looking to snap a five-game losing streak, while Gardner-Webb aims to build on their recent 96-87 victory over South Carolina Upstate, led by Darryl Simmons II’s 27-point performance.

Team Analysis

Longwood Lancers

The Lancers have been strong at home, boasting an 11-3 record this season. They average 78.2 points per game and rank second in the Big South in free throw attempts, a key factor in their offensive strategy. Defensively, they force 14.9 turnovers per game, ranking 26th nationally.

Key Players:

• Michael Christmas: The team’s leading scorer, averaging 12.0 points per game and shooting 36.1% from beyond the arc.
• Kyrell Luc: A dynamic guard averaging 14.5 points over the last 10 games and excelling at the free-throw line.
• Elijah Tucker: The team’s top rebounder, averaging 5.1 boards per game.

Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs

Gardner-Webb has struggled defensively, allowing 78.5 points per game, but they’ve shown offensive firepower, scoring over 90 points in four of their last seven games. They are led by Darryl Simmons II, who averages 17.7 points per game and is a consistent three-point threat.

Key Players:

• Darryl Simmons II: The team’s leading scorer and a clutch performer, as seen in his recent 27-point outing.
• Jamaine Mann: Averaging 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds over the last 10 games.
• Isaiah Richards: A defensive anchor with 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

Betting Trends and Insights

Longwood Betting Trends

• Against the Spread (ATS): 10-14-0 this season.
• Over/Under: 16 of their games have gone over the total points line.
• Home Performance: 11-3 at home, with a strong scoring average of 82.3 points.

Gardner-Webb Betting Trends

• ATS: 13-12-0 this season.
• Over/Under: 18 of their games have gone over the total points line.
• Road Performance: 5-11 on the road, averaging 69.6 points.

Head-to-Head Trends

• Gardner-Webb won the last meeting 92-87, showcasing their ability to outscore Longwood in a high-paced game.
• Longwood has a slight edge in the overall series, but Gardner-Webb has won three of the last five matchups.

Prediction and Betting Tips

Score Prediction

Based on recent performances and key player matchups, this game is expected to be closely contested. Longwood’s home-court advantage and strong free-throw shooting could give them the edge, but Gardner-Webb’s offensive firepower cannot be overlooked.

Predicted Score: Longwood 79, Gardner-Webb 74.

Betting Tips

1. Spread: Longwood -1.5 – The Lancers’ home performance and defensive pressure make them a slight favorite.
2. Over/Under: Over 149.5 – Both teams have a history of high-scoring games, and their combined average of 151.6 points supports this pick.
3. Moneyline: Longwood -128 – With a strong home record and key players stepping up, Longwood is the safer bet.

Key Factors to Watch

1. Three-Point Shooting: Both teams rely on perimeter shooting, with Longwood shooting 32.8% and Gardner-Webb at 34.2% from beyond the arc.
2. Turnovers: Longwood’s ability to force turnovers could be a game-changer, especially against Gardner-Webb’s turnover-prone offense.
3. Rebounding Battle: Gardner-Webb averages 36.8 rebounds per game, slightly edging Longwood’s 34.3. Controlling the boards will be crucial.

Conclusion

The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs vs. Longwood Lancers matchup promises to be a thrilling game with significant implications for the Big South standings. Longwood’s home-court advantage and defensive prowess give them a slight edge, but Gardner-Webb’s offensive firepower ensures this will be a competitive contest. For bettors, focusing on the spread and over/under markets offers the best value.

Whether you’re a fan or a bettor, this game is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in on ESPN+ at 7:00 PM ET to catch all the action!