Nov 23, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA;  Howard Bison guard Alex Cotton (4) controls the ball in front of Duke Blue Devils forward Isaiah Evans (3) during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

North Carolina Central vs Howard Prediction 2/21/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP North Carolina Central Eagles Howard Bison
Team Records 10-15 17-10
Where Burr Gymnasium, Washington, DC
When Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time 12:00 PM EST
TV ESPN+

In this article, we will formulate a North Carolina Central vs Howard Prediction for this college basketball game on Saturday, February 21st. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.

Howard Bison Preview

The Howard Bison have a 17-10 overall record and a 7-3 record in the MEAC. They are coming off a 91-59 road win against Delaware State and their previous three games were a 79-53 home win against Maryland Eastern Shore, an 87-81 home loss against Yale and an 85-57 home win against South Carolina State.

Offensively, Howard averages 75.9 points per game, while allowing 68.1 points per game defensively. The Bison shoot with 45% from the field and grab 36.1 rebounds per game, while dishing out 15.8 assists per game. They average 3.5 blocks per game and 8.8 steals per game defensively.

Bryce Harris leads Howard in scoring, with an average of 17.3 points per game, while shooting with 47.7% from the field and 79.1% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 6.7 rebounds. Cam Gillus leads the team in assists with 4.4 per game.

North Carolina Central Eagles Preview

The North Carolina Central Eagles have a 10-15 overall record and a 6-4 record in the MEAC. They are coming off an 85-72 road loss against South Carolina State and their previous three games were an 80-76 home win against Morgan State, a 58-56 home loss against Coppin State and a 72-63 home win against Delaware State.

Offensively, North Carolina Central averages 72.5 points per game, while allowing 76.1 points per game defensively. The Eagles shoot with 44% from the field and grab 32.1 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.5 assists per game. They average 3.7 blocks per game and 8.6 steals per game defensively.

Gage Lattimore leads North Carolina Central in scoring, with an average of 17.6 points per game, while shooting with 39.6% from the field and 88.3% from the free throw line. Khouri Carvey is the team’s leading rebounder with 6.3 per game. Dionte Johnson leads the team in assists with 5.7 per game.

North Carolina Central Eagles @ Howard Bison Betting Trends: February 21, 2026

Why the Howard Bison will win

  • Howard has won eight of its last nine day games against Conference opponents at Burr Gymnasium.
  • North Carolina Central has lost each of its last four games at Burr Gymnasium.
  • Howard has won the first half in each of its last eight games against Conference opponents.

Why the North Carolina Central Eagles will win

  • North Carolina Central has won four of its last five games following a road loss.

Total Points Facts

  • Each of North Carolina Central’s last six road games have produced a total of 143+ points.
  • Each of the last four day games between North Carolina Central and Howard at Burr Gymnasium have produced a total of 144+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

  • Howard ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent assist to turnover ratio this season (0.69).
  • Howard ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (15.4).
  • North Carolina Central ranks 18th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (14.8).
  • North Carolina Central ranks 36th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (8.6).

North Carolina Central vs Howard Prediction

In this North Carolina Central vs Howard Prediction, Howard is coming as -12.5 home favorites. Howard has been the better team this season and has been excellent against the spread with a 16-7 ATS record and are 6-3 ATS at home. They have been red-hot lately with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, while NC Central has been unstable and alternating wins and losses for the past 40 days. Howard is better both on the offensive and the defensive end, so I expect them to dominate this game and cover the double digit spread at home.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Howard -12.5

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