Howard vs Norfolk State Picks and Prediction – 3/8/2024

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In a pivotal Mid-Eastern Athletic showdown, the Howard Bison (15-15, 9-4 MEAC) face the Norfolk State Spartans (20-10, 10-3 MEAC) on March 7th at 8:00 PM. The Bison, coming off a strong 85-66 win against Delaware State, look to improve in the conference standings. On the other side, the Spartans, leading the conference, aim to build on a recent 69-50 victory over Maryland-Eastern Shore. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

The Howard Bison enter this matchup with a mixed season but have shown flashes of solid play, notably on offense. Averaging 75.6 points per game with a solid 45.5% shooting from the field and an impressive 37.3% from beyond the arc, they stand as a formidable offensive unit. Bryce Harris leads the charge with 16.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, showcasing the ability to score and compete on the boards. 

Despite Howard’s scoring ability, the Bison's defensive struggles are evident, allowing 74.9 points per game. This vulnerability on defense, coupled with the inability to consistently shut down opponents, might be a focal point against a balanced Norfolk State squad.

The Norfolk State Spartans, on the other hand, boast a more rounded team profile. Leading the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, they've carved out a 20-10 record with a defense that concedes only 68.1 points per game. Jamarii Thomas is the standout performer, averaging 17.5 points and 3.8 assists per game, highlighting the Spartans' offensive leadership and versatility. 

The Spartans' defense, anchored by a 41.1% field goal percentage allowed, sets a tough stage for opponents, making them a challenging matchup for Howard. However, rebounding and 3-point shooting efficiency, areas where they've shown inconsistency, could be tested by Howard's aggressive offense.