Wagner vs. Howard Picks and Predictions – Tuesday, Mar. 19

Nov 28, 2023; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Wagner Seahawks guard Melvin Council Jr. (11) dribbles against the Providence Friars during the second half at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
Image Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Wagner Seahawks vs. Howard Bison prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Wagner Seahawks hit the road to face the Howard Bison.

The Wagner Seahawks (16-15) are set to face off against the Howard Bison (18-16) in a highly anticipated First Four matchup. With both teams vying for a spot in the Round of 64, this contest is poised to be a battle of wills as Wagner looks to leverage their defensive prowess against Howard’s dynamic offense.

Wagner Seahawks vs. Howard Bison Odds Info

Moneyline: Wagner Seahawks +145 (BetRivers) / Howard Bison -160 (PointsBet)

Spread: -3.5 – Wagner Seahawks -107 (BetRivers) / Howard Bison -105 (BetMGM)

Total: 128.0 – -109 (BetRivers) / -110 (Ceasars)

Game Info

Date: Tuesday, Mar. 19

Time: 05:40 PM

Location: UD Arena – Dayton, OH

TV: truTV

Wagner Seahawks Betting Trends

  • On the road, Wagner Seahawks are 9 and 10 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Wagner Seahawks are 14 and 15.
  • Against the spread on the road, Wagner Seahawks are 9 and 10.

Howard Bison Betting Trends

  • At home, Howard Bison are 9 and 4 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Howard Bison are 12 and 19.
  • Against the spread at home, Howard Bison are 6 and 8.

Wagner Seahawks vs. Howard Bison Predictions

The NCAA Tournament is a stage where heroes are made, and the Wagner Seahawks are looking to etch their names in March Madness lore. Despite a challenging season, Wagner has shown resilience, particularly on the defensive end where they rank 6th in college basketball, allowing only 62.1 points per game. Their offense, led by Melvin Council Jr., who averages 14.6 points per game, will need to step up against a Howard team that can put points on the board in a hurry.

Howard Bison enters the tournament with momentum, having won eight of their last ten games. Bryce Harris has been a standout player, leading the team with 16.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. The Bison’s offense, which averages 75.1 points per game, will test Wagner’s defense. However, Howard’s defensive struggles, ranking 334th in adjusted defensive efficiency, could be their Achilles’ heel. The game could hinge on whether Wagner can exploit this weakness and control the tempo to their advantage.

Key matchups to watch include Wagner’s Council Jr. against Howard’s Harris, as both players are capable of taking over a game. Additionally, Wagner’s ability to limit Howard’s three-point shooting, where the Bison excel with a 37.4% success rate, will be crucial. With a spot in the Round of 64 at stake, expect both teams to leave everything on the court in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Wagner Seahawks vs. Howard Bison Pick

The Wagner Seahawks enter this matchup as underdogs, but their defensive prowess makes them a compelling pick for the moneyline bet. Holding opponents to an average of 62.1 points per game, Wagner’s defense is among the best in the nation and could stifle Howard’s offensive rhythm. While Howard’s offense is potent, their defensive struggles present a significant vulnerability that Wagner can exploit. With Melvin Council Jr. leading the charge and the team’s recent performance indicating a strong defensive strategy, the Seahawks have the potential to upset the Bison and advance in the tournament.

Furthermore, Howard’s reliance on three-point shooting could backfire if Wagner’s defense manages to extend and contest shots beyond the arc. The Seahawks’ ability to control the game’s pace and force Howard into uncomfortable positions on the floor will be key. Considering the high stakes of a tournament game and Wagner’s capacity to execute a disciplined defensive game plan, betting on the Seahawks’ moneyline offers a valuable opportunity for an upset victory. The trends suggest that Wagner’s defense could be the deciding factor, making them the right pick for this First Four showdown.

The Pick: Wagner Seahawks +145 (BetRivers)