The Howard Bison (12-14, 6-5 MEAC) wrap up their home schedule at Burr Arena against the North Carolina Central Eagles (12-14, 7-5 MEAC). The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, February 18, 2019.
North Carolina Central Eagles at Howard Bison ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last contest. The Bison fell to the North Carolina A&T Aggies, 85-81, while the Eagles were defeated by the Norfolk State Spartans, 75-71.
North Carolina Central held Norfolk State to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.3 (below their season average of 27.3) while Howard had a turnover percentage of 9.3 (better than their season average of 14.4). RJ Cole led the way for Howard, recording 20 points and six assists. Raasean Davis, meanwhile played a pivotal role for North Carolina Central with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last matchup, the Eagles won 83-66. North Carolina Central had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.652 vs. 0.451). Howard, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (9.3 vs. 16.5). This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
The offense of Howard (171st in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 105.1) will square off against the stingy defense of North Carolina Central (50th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 96.4). The Eagles figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Furthermore, the Eagles could control the offensive glass in this battle as they rank 22nd in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 35.3 percent. The Bison, meanwhile, rank 301st in defensive rebounding percentage (68.8 percent).
North Carolina Central vs. Howard Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Howard, ATS Winner – Howard, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- North Carolina Central ranks 15th in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while Howard ranks 275th (39.3).
- The Eagles rank 228th in three pointers attempted per game (20.1) while the Bison rank 242nd (19.6).
- The Eagles rank 42nd in assists per game (15.4) while the Bison rank 205th in assists allowed per game (14.5).
- Howard ranks 50th in blocks per game (4.3) while North Carolina Central ranks 151st (2.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 71.4 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
- The Bison’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 0.8 for the season.
