Hampton vs Howard Picks and Prediction – 2/3/2024

In a clash at the Prudential Center, the Hampton Pirates, positioned 14th in the Coastal Athletic Association with a 4-18 record, visit the Howard Bison, who stand 5th in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference at 9-13. This matchup, scheduled for February 3rd at 4:00 PM ET, promises to be an intriguing battle. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

The Hampton Pirates, despite a challenging season, have demonstrated a fighting spirit. Offensively, the Pirates average 75.7 points per game, with Kyrese Mullen leading the charge, boasting an impressive average of 15.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Jordan Nesbitt's playmaking abilities, averaging 4.5 assists, have been crucial for Hampton, showcasing the potential to compete at a high level. 

However, defensive struggles are evident, allowing 78.8 points per game, which ranks towards the bottom nationally. Rebounding, led by Mullen, and the contributions from Amir Nesbitt and Ja'Von Benson in steals and blocks respectively, highlight some of the Pirates' strengths amidst a season of disappointments.

On the other side, the Howard Bison have shown flashes of strong play this season, recording a 9-13 record. Bryce Harris has been a standout performer, leading the team with an average of 15.9 points and 7 rebounds per game. The Bison's offensive efficiency is notable, with a team field goal percentage of 46.0%, ranking 118th nationally. The Bison also excel beyond the arc, shooting 35.9% from three-point range. 

However, similar to Hampton, Howard's defense has room for improvement, conceding an average of 76.5 points per game. Jelani Williams' contributions on both ends of the floor, averaging 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals, along with Harris' defensive presence, have been key factors in Howard's competitiveness this season.