Howard Bison (15-15) vs. Norfolk State Spartans (20-10)
March 7, 2024 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Norfolk State Spartans -4; Over/Under: -
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The Howard Bison and the Norfolk State Spartans meet Thursday in college basketball action from Joseph Echols Hall. Howard is sitting at .500 through 30 games this year following a win over Delaware State on Monday. As for Norfolk State, they’re 20-10 and coming off a win over MD-Eastern Shore. Let’s get into our Howard vs. Norfolk State prediction. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Howard Bison
The Bison opened up their year on an 8-11 run, then hit a 1-3 stretch that featured losses to Norfolk State, Morgan State and Hampton. Howard is a solid 6-1 since then however, taking out Delaware State, NC Central, Morgan State, Coppin State, MD-Eastern Shore and Delaware State again.
In the rematch versus the Hornets on Monday, the Bison were up 43-32 after a nice first half. Howard kept it going in the second on a 42-34 run and took the victory 85-66. Leading the way was Jordan Hairston with 24 points, three rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes of action.
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Norfolk State Spartans
Over on the Norfolk State side, it’s been a pretty successful season so far. The Spartans managed a 15-9 run through their first 24 games and they’re 5-1 in their last six. In that time Norfolk State has beaten South Carolina State, NC Central, Coppin State, Morgan State and MD-Eastern Shore.
Matched up against MD-Eastern Shore in their Monday game, the Spartans came out of the break with a 32-30 advantage. Norfolk State hit a 37-20 run from there and powered out the win 69-50. Jamarii Thomas was the team’s leading scorer on 21 points with five rebounds and three assists.
ANDREW’S FREE HOWARD VS NORFOLK STATE PREDICTION
I’ll try Howard here. The Bison are playing well over their last seven games and didn’t have too many issues versus Delaware State. Howard shot a nice 52.7 percent from the field with 36 rebounds in that one but did give up 14 turnovers. The Bison have scored 68 or more points in each of their last seven games.
These teams last saw each other on January 20 in a 65-61 road loss for the Bison. Howard was 14-of-16 from the line and didn’t shoot terribly (42.2 percent), however the 19 turnovers for 13 Spartans points really hurt. It’s going to take a big offensive effort (and some ball-control discipline) in the road rematch but I think the Bison can pull it off if they’re playing to their capabilities.
