The Howard Bison (2-23, 0-10 MEAC) visit Moore Gym to take on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (11-12, 5-4 MEAC). The Bison are 13.5-point underdogs and will attempt to put an end to their 13-game losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 159.5 points and action begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, February 10, 2020.
Howard Bison at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams covered in their last contest. The Wildcats (2.5-point favorites) defeated the North Carolina A&T Aggies, 78-73, while the Bison (10-point underdogs) fell to the Florida A&M Rattlers, 82-78. The Bethune-Cookman game finished 7 points under the projected point total of 158, while the Howard game went 15 points over the projected point total of 145.
Bethune-Cookman played a nearly flawless game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.286 (above their season average of 0.267) and a turnover percentage of 16.1 (better than their season average of 17.6). North Carolina A&T was 0.200 and 21.7, respectively, for those same stats. Howard, on the other hand, had an effective field goal percentage of 0.594 (above their season average of 0.473). Bethune-Cookman received a boost from Isaiah Bailey, who recorded 11 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Nate Garvey was a key piece for Howard with 20 points and five rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Cletrell Pope led the Wildcats to a 102-73 win. He recorded a double-double with 28 points and 15 rebounds. The two teams combined for 175 points, which was well over the projected point total of 149.5, and Bethune-Cookman covered as an 8.5-point favorite. Converting at the free throw line was one of Bethune-Cookman’s largest advantages. They were 20-23 (87.0 percent), while the Bison were 12-17 (70.6 percent).
Of the Bison’s 22 games that accepted bets, 15 have finished over the O/U total. Howard comes into the game with records of 2-23 straight up (SU) and 10-12 against the spread (ATS).
Similarly to Howard, games featuring the Wildcats also tend to go over the total (57.9 percent). Further, Bethune-Cookman owns records of 11-12 SU and 9-10 ATS.
The Bison’s Garvey has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 14 points per game. Meanwhile, Bailey has averaged 18 points,5.6 rebounds,1.2 steals during that same time frame for the Wildcats.
The aggressive Bethune-Cookman offense could be getting to the foul line a lot in this matchup. The Wildcats rank 55th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.268, while Howard ranks 259th in FTA rate allowed (0.247).
Howard Bison vs. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Betting Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Bethune-cookman, ATS Winner – Howard, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Bethune-Cookman averages 38.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 66th in the NCAA. Howard ranks 287th in rebounds allowed per game (40.5).
- The Wildcats rank 164th in assists allowed per game (13.0) while the Bison rank 277th (18.2).
- Howard ranks 140th in three pointers attempted per game (22.1) while Bethune-Cookman ranks 247th (18.5).
- Howard is 5-6 ATS on the road, while Bethune-Cookman is 3-2 ATS at home.
- The Bison have 9 overs and 2 unders in 11 road games.
- In 5 home games, the Wildcats have 4 overs and 1 under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bison are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Wildcats are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Howard has 4 overs and 1 under, while Bethune-Cookman has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Bison’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.8, down from 11.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.8 points per game (6.8 above their season average).
