Howard Bison vs Norfolk State Spartans Prediction, 3/5/2026 College Basketball Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Howard Bison vs Norfolk State Spartans

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026

Location: Joseph G. Echols Hall in Norfolk, VA

TV: ESPN+

Joseph G. Echols Hall is the site where the Norfolk State Spartans (15-15) will attempt to defeat the Howard Bison (20-10) on Thursday.

The Howard Bison faced Coppin State and walked away with a win by a score of 90-70 in their last game. Howard wrapped up the game having earned a 54.4% FG percentage (31 out of 57) and converted 11 of 25 three-point shots. From the charity stripe, the Bison made 17 of 23 attempts for a percentage of 73.9%. In relation to hauling in rebounds, they compiled a total of 30 with 10 of them being of the offensive variety. They also doled out 26 assists in this matchup while forcing the opposition into 15 turnovers and getting 13 steals. With respect to defending, Howard allowed the other team to shoot 51.8% from the field on 29 out of 56 shooting. Coppin State doled out 12 dimes and had 7 steals in the game. On top of that, Coppin State pulled down 18 rebounds (6 offensive, 12 defensive), but finished the game with no rejections. Coppin State finished the game at 56.3% at the charity stripe by converting 9 of 16 shots. They also made 3 of their 9 tries from 3-point land. When it comes to personal fouls, the Bison ended up with 15 and Coppin State totaled 18 personal fouls.

Cedric Taylor III is a player who was a major contributor in the matchup. He racked up 21 points on 8 of 11 shooting. He was on the court for 32 minutes played and snagged 5 rebounds. He went 72.7% from the floor and distributed 5 assists.

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Howard heads into this one with a mark of 20-10 for the year. They lose possession by turning the ball over 13.6 times per game and as a team they commit 19.5 fouls every game. As a team, Howard is collecting 36.7 rebounds per game and has earned 496 dimes this season, which has them ranked 49th in college in terms of passing. The Bison are shooting 34.3% on three-point shots (199 of 580) and 72.7% from the free throw line. They are averaging 77.5 pts per game (143rd in the nation) while connecting on 46.0% from the field.

When they are on defense, the Bison are forcing their opponents into 15.2 turnovers per contest while drawing 19.6 personal fouls. They are giving up 30.0% on 3-point attempts and they are ranked 40th in college in PPG allowed (67.9). The Bison defensively are giving up a field goal percentage of 41.8% (690 of 1,650) and they concede 31.7 boards per contest as a group. They are currently ranked 11th in college in giving up assists with 315 conceded on the campaign.

In their last game, the Norfolk State Spartans went home defeated by a final of 90-84 when they faced Morgan State. The Spartans were able to pull down 27 defensive boards and 18 offensive rebounds totaling 45 for the game. They turned it over 7 times, while earning 5 steals in this game. Morgan State committed 18 fouls for the game which took the Spartans to the charity stripe for a total of 26 tries. They were able to bury 17 of them for a clip of 65.4%. In the matter of shots from 3-point land, Norfolk State made 5 of their 19 tries (26.3%). When the game finished, the Spartans went 31 out of 79 from the floor which gave them a percentage of 39.2%. The Spartans allowed Morgan State to make 28 out of 57 tries from the field which gave them a percentage of 49.1% in this contest. They finished the game shooting 50.0% from distance by connecting on 14 out of 28 and ended up shooting 20 out of 24 from the free throw line (83.3%). In the matter of rebounding, Norfolk State permitted Morgan State to grab 31 overall (3 on the offensive glass).

Anthony McComb III pitched in for the Spartans for the contest. He made 7 of 18 for the game for a field goal percentage of 38.9%, and had 2 rebounds. He racked up 23 points in his 30 minutes on the hardwood, but wasn't able to get an assist.

Norfolk State has a record of 15-15 for the season. As an offensive team, the Spartans are connecting on 46.4% from the floor, which is ranked 113th in college. Norfolk State has earned 2,287 pts on the season (76.2 per game) and they collect 34.9 boards per game. They are assisting teammates 12.0 times per contest (318th in college) and they are turning it over 12.3 times per contest. The Spartans are committing 19.5 fouls per game and they connect on 68.2% from the free throw line.

The Norfolk State defense allows 31.9% on shots from beyond the arc (227 of 711) and their opposition makes 72.0% of their free throw attempts. They concede 14.2 dimes and 32.9 rebounds per contest, which ranks 247th and 84th in the country. The Spartans on the defensive end are ranked 155th in college hoops in points given up per game with 73.0. They have forced 13.6 TO's per game and allow teams to shoot 43.7% from the floor (148th in D-1).

Who will win tonight's NCAA game against the spread?

Tony Sink's Pick: Take Howard

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