The Georgetown Hoyas (6-0) are off to a hot start and will try to remain undefeated when they challenge the Howard Bison (1-8) at Capital One Arena. Georgetown opened as a 21-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 152.5 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 7, 2017.
Howard Bison at Georgetown Hoyas Free Preview
In the Bison’s last matchup, they lost to the Penn Quakers, 81-68. With 24 points on 8-for-18 shooting, RJ Cole led Howard in scoring. Penn had an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.2 (above their season average of 26.3). Howard, on the other hand, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (17-22; 77.3 percent).
The Hoyas hope to keep it rolling after topping the Coppin State Eagles in their last matchup, 76-60. Georgetown was lifted by Jessie Govan, who was the games leading scorer with 26 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Georgetown dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.522 (above their season average of 0.289) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.565 (below their season average of 0.588). Coppin State recorded marks of 0.250 and 0.375, respectively, for those same stats.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Georgetown figures to have a noteworthy edge. Dating back to last season, the Hoyas defense ranks 29th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.464), while the Howard offense ranks 346th in effective field goal percentage (0.437).
These two teams are complete opposites in terms of the O/U total. Howard games have finished over 100.0 percent of the time, while 66.7 percent of games including Georgetown have finished under. The Hoyas hold a clear advantage in both straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 6-0 SU and 1-2 ATS, while the Bison are 1-8 SU and 1-0 ATS.
The Hoyas won the lone game against the Bison last season, 85-72. Georgetown’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Howard. The Hoyas had a rate of 0.609 while the Bison posted a mark of 0.466.
Howard Bison vs. Georgetown Hoyas Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Georgetown, ATS Winner – Howard, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Hoyas average 4.5 blocks per game, which ranks 51st in the NCAA. The Bison rank 203rd in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
- Howard averages 5.6 steals per game, which ranks 108th in the nation. Georgetown ranks 214th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
- Georgetown ranks 53rd in assists per game (15.5) while Howard ranks 303rd in assists allowed per game (15.0).
- The Hoyas rank 97th in rebounds allowed per game (33.9) while the Bison rank 317th (39.0).
- Howard ranks 38th in three pointers attempted per game (19.0) while Georgetown ranks 254th (18.7).
