The Norfolk State Spartans (12-10, 7-0 MEAC) will try to lengthen their seven-game winning streak against the Howard Bison (10-12, 4-3 MEAC) at Burr Arena. The game begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Norfolk State Spartans at Howard Bison Free Prediction
The last time the Spartans played, they blew out the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks, 88-60. The Spartans knocked down 14 of their 17 free throws (82.4 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.725 (above their season average of 0.508). Norfolk State rallied around Nic Thomas, who was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Bison beat the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks in their last contest, 72-57. The Bison had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 43.3 (above their season average of 29.4) and had a turnover percentage of 9.9 (better than their season average of 14.3). Charles Williams was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 7-for-15 shooting from the field.
Howard might have trouble finding the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the country’s best defenses. Norfolk State ranks 80th in defensive efficiency while the Bison rank 198th in offensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Spartans, who rank 46th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.279), will clash against the Bison, who rank 289th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.268).
After the Spartans won the lone contest against the Bison last season, 79-74, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Spartans had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.9 vs. 32.1) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.492 vs. 0.386).
Norfolk State Spartans vs. Howard Bison Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Norfolk State, ATS Winner – Norfolk State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Norfolk State averages 12.7 assists per game, which ranks 175th in the nation. Howard ranks 205th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 4.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.2 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
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