Norfolk State (20-10) vs Howard (15-15)
March 7, 2024 at 09:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Norfolk State 5 — Over/Under:
The Norfolk State Spartans will host the Howard Bison for their regular season finale this Thursday from Echols Memorial Hall on ESPN+ NSU comes in as 5-point home favorites, with the total sitting at 146.5. Stay tuned for our Howard vs Norfolk State Prediction.
Howard Bison Rundown: Will HU Spoil the Party?
Howard moved to 12-15 after defeating Morgan State at home, 78-72. The Bison controlled the contest down the stretch to beat the Bears, and they’ll now look to complete the regional sweep of the Eagles. HU is scoring 75.4 points per game, on 46.0% shooting, while allowing 74.6 ppg, and they’re currently 3rd in the MEAC with a 6-4record in conference play.
Howard’s X-Factors
- Junior guard Bryce Harris has hit the 20-point mark in four of the last six games, and he now leads HU in scoring (15.8), while grabbing 6.5 rpg.
- Veteran forward Seth Towns led the way with a 27-point double-double in the win over Morehead State, and he leads Howard in rebounding (6.6), while scoring 15.6 ppg.
- DC native Marcus Dockery has scored 15 points or more in four of the previous five games, and he’s third on the team at 13.0 ppg.
Norfolk State Spartans Rundown: Can NSU Complete the Mission?
Norfolk State comes in at 19-10 after losing to Delaware State in Dover, 85-71. The Spartans were unable to overcome a slow start versus the Horners, and they’ll try to get back into the win column here against the Hawks. NSU is scoring 74.4 points per game, on 45.3% shooting, while allowing 68.0 ppg, and they’re currently first in the MEAC with a 9-3 record in conference play.
NSU’s X-Factors
- Former UNCW guard Jamarii Thomas led the way with 18 points in the win over SC State, and he’s first on NSU in scoring (17.2) and assists (3.8).
- Veteran guard Allen Betrand has reached double figures in five of the last eight games, and he’s second in the team at 10.8 ppg.
- Longwood transfer Jaylani Darden chipped in 14 points in the SC State victory, and he leads Norfolk State in rebounding (5.0), while scoring 7.2 ppg.
Howard vs Norfolk State Trends
- Norfolk State leads the all-time series, 39-11, but Howard has won three of the last five meetings.
- HOW is 10-17-1 against the spread, with a 18-10 over/under record
- The Bison are 7-3 over their last ten games, and they’re 6-8 on the road this season.
- NSU is 10-16 against the spread, with a 11-15 O/U record
- The Spartans are 8-2 over their previous ten games, and they’re 12-0 in Norfolk this season.
Howard vs Norfolk State Prediction
Howard will make a familiar season ending trip to the 757, but it won’t be to meet their rivals in Hampton, as this time they’ll be heading thru the tunnel to face Norfolk State in what may be a tough spot. The Spartans are undefeated at home this season, and with a victory clinching the regular season conference crown, I just don’t see them dropping the ball here. The Bison may stick around early, but I like leaning on a hosting NSU squad this Thursday evening.