Howard vs Norfolk State Prediction 3/5/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Andrew Jett

3 hours ago

Mar 19, 2024; Dayton, OH, USA; Howard Bison cheerleaders in the second half against the Wagner Seahawks at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

MATCHUP	Howard Bison	Norfolk State Spartans
Team Records	20-10	15-15
Where	Joseph G. Echols Hall, Norfolk, VA
When	Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time	07:00 PM EST

The Howard Bison and the Norfolk State Spartans meet Thursday in college basketball action from Joseph Echols Hall in Norfolk. Here’s a Howard vs Norfolk State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Howard vs Norfolk State pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Howard Bison Betting Preview

The Bison were clinging to a 9-8 overall record back on January 10, then beat Delaware State, NC Central and Morehouse in the next trio. A 3-2 run came next with wins over Norfolk State, Coppin State and South Carolina State. Howard took out Maryland Eastern Shore, Delaware State, NC Central and Morgan State for a 19-10 record across their first 29 outings.

On Monday versus Coppin State, the Bison took a comfortable lead into the break 46-29. Howard kept it going on a 44-41 advantage in the second half and when the game came to an end the Bison had a 90-70 victory on their home court. Leading the team in scoring was Cedric Taylor with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists. Ose Okojie added 18 points in the win.

Norfolk State Spartans Betting Preview

Over on the Norfolk State side, they limped to a 6-11 record in their first 17 games this year. The Spartans beat Delaware State, South Carolina State, Elizabeth City State and Coppin State in the next five, then lost to Morgan State and Howard. Wins over NC Central, Delaware State, MD Eastern Shore, South Carolina State and Coppin State came next for a 15-14 run through 29 outings.

Matched up against Morgan State on Tuesday the Spartans were in trouble at the break with a 45-29 deficit. Norfolk State came back in the second half on a 55-45 run and made a game of it but still ended up taking the loss on the road 90-84. Anthony McComb led the team on his 23 points with two rebounds while Jaquel Morris doubled on 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Howard Bison @ Norfolk State Spartans Betting Trends: March 5, 2026

Why the Norfolk State Spartans will win

Norfolk State has won 41 of its last 45 night games at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Howard has lost each of its last three night games at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Howard has lost the first half in each of its last four night games at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Howard Bison will win

Howard has won each of its last eight games against the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
Norfolk State has lost three of its last four night games against the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Howard vs Norfolk State Prediction

I’ll lean toward Howard. The Bison rolled right past a struggling Coppin State team on Tuesday, hitting 54.4 percent from the field with a 30-18 rebounding edge and 23 points off 15 Eagles turnovers. That said, Howard also gave up 51.8 percent shooting on defense and had 14 turnovers themselves. The Bison have won five straight games now, and eight of the last nine overall. They’re playing well on offense these days.

Back on January 31 when these teams last met up, Howard pulled off a nice 88-60 blowout win on their home court. In that one the Bison shot an excellent 54 percent from the field with 86.2 percent (25-of-29) from the line and a lopsided 37-14 rebounding advantage. The only thing to really complain about was the 16 turnovers. If the Bison can clean up the mistakes in the rematch they’ll be okay.