In their final home game of the season, the Howard Bison (9-21, 6-8 MEAC) host the Norfolk State Spartans (12-17, 10-4 MEAC) at Burr Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, February 26, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
Norfolk State Spartans vs. Howard Bison ATS Prediction
The Spartans will be looking for similar success after beating the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks in their last contest, 74-63. Norfolk State’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Spartans had more offensive rebounds (17 vs. eight), defensive rebounds (31 vs. 23) and total rebounds (48 vs. 31). Norfolk State received a boost from Steven Whitley, who had 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
In the Bison’s last game, they easily got past the Delaware State Hornets, 93-74. The Bison knocked down 30 of their 39 free throws (76.9 percent), while the Hornets had a turnover percentage of 23.9 (above their season average of 19.6). RJ Cole was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Howard offense. Howard ranks 182nd in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.7 percent), while the disruptive defense of Norfolk State forces the 56th-most turnovers in the NCAA (21.2 percent). Additionally, the Spartans, who rank 56th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.2 percent), will attempt to exploit the Bison, who rank 346th in defensive rebounding percentage (64.4 percent).
Whitley has averaged 12.6 points, 6.4 assists and 6.0 rebounds over the last five games for Norfolk State.
After the Spartans won both meetings against the Bison last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last contest, Norfolk State won 68-53. The Spartans made 17 of their 24 free throws (70.8 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.5 vs. 25.5).
Norfolk State Spartans at Howard Bison Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Norfolk State, ATS Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Norfolk State ranks 51st in rebounds per game (38.2) while Howard ranks 289th in rebounds allowed per game (39.9).
The Bison average 22.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 114th in the nation. The Spartans rank 263rd in three pointers allowed per game (25.4).
Norfolk State ranks 145th in assists per game (13.6) while Howard ranks 250th in assists allowed per game (15.7).
The Spartans rank 49th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Bison rank 62nd (5.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Spartans have outscored opponents by an average of 7.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Norfolk State has been defeated by an average of 0.8 points.
During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 78.6 points per game (4.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.2 points per game (2.3 below their season average).
