South Carolina State Bulldogs vs Howard Bison Picks and Prediction for Friday March 13 2026
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The South Carolina State Bulldogs face the Howard Bison in the MEAC Tournament Semifinal on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET with television coverage on ESPN+. According to DraftKings, Howard enters the matchup as a 14.5-point favorite with the total listed at 145.5. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily predictions and betting insights.
South Carolina State Carrying Momentum into Semifinal
South Carolina State enters the MEAC Tournament Semifinal with a 10-21 overall record and a 7-7 mark in MEAC play. The Bulldogs advanced after recently winning over Norfolk State 88-82 in the quarterfinal round. Over their last five games, South Carolina State has recently won over Norfolk State, North Carolina Central, and Delaware State while recently losing to Maryland Eastern Shore and Morgan State.
On the season, South Carolina State averages 66.6 points per game while allowing 78.8 points per contest. The Bulldogs shoot 41% from the field and average 30.9 rebounds and 12.1 assists per game. Defensively, South Carolina State contributes 3.7 blocks and 7.0 steals per contest but has struggled throughout the season with defensive consistency.
In their quarterfinal victory over Norfolk State, Jayden Johnson delivered an outstanding performance with 28 points while also leading the Bulldogs with five rebounds. South Carolina State shot an efficient 50% from the field and capitalized on 25 made free throws in the win. However, the Bulldogs now face a short turnaround in the tournament and must maintain that offensive efficiency against a well-balanced Howard squad.
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Howard Entering with Rest and Confidence
Howard enters the MEAC Tournament Semifinal with a 21-10 overall record and an 11-3 mark in conference play. The Bison earned a bye into the semifinal round after finishing near the top of the MEAC standings. Over their last five games, Howard has recently won over Norfolk State, Coppin State, Morgan State, North Carolina Central, and Delaware State.
On the season, Howard averages 77.7 points per game while allowing just 68.1 points per contest. The Bison shoot 46% from the field and average 36.5 rebounds and 16.5 assists per game. Defensively, Howard contributes 3.6 blocks and 8.6 steals per contest while consistently forcing turnovers and creating transition scoring opportunities.
In their most recent game, an 84-76 win over Norfolk State, Cam Gillus led the Bison with 22 points while Bryce Harris led the team on the boards with seven rebounds. Howard shot an impressive 52% from the field and knocked down 12 three-pointers in that game, demonstrating their ability to score efficiently from multiple areas of the floor.
South Carolina State vs Howard Pick
South Carolina State vs Howard Spread Pick
- Pick: Howard -14.5
Howard enters this matchup with a clear advantage in both offensive efficiency and defensive consistency. The Bison also benefit from extra rest after receiving a bye while South Carolina State is coming off a demanding quarterfinal game. With Howard’s balanced offense and ability to pressure defensively, the Bison should be able to control the pace and gradually extend the lead enough to cover the spread.
South Carolina State vs Howard Total Pick
- Pick: Under 145.5
I like the under in this matchup because South Carolina State typically plays at a slower pace and averages fewer than 67 points per game this season. Howard has a strong defense allowing just over 68 points per contest, which should make it difficult for the Bulldogs to replicate their high-scoring quarterfinal performance. With the Bison likely controlling tempo and limiting second-chance opportunities, this total has a good chance to stay under.
Final Score Prediction: Howard 78, South Carolina State 62
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