COPP Coppin State @ HOW Howard -19.5

Howard Bison vs Coppin State Eagles: A Blowout in the Making

This is the regular season finale for both teams, and the gulf between them couldn't be wider. Howard just demolished Morgan State by 25 on the road, extending their dominant stretch to five wins in six games with an average margin of +27 during that run. Coppin State limped home after losing to Norfolk State, falling to 7-23 overall and a brutal 4-14 on the road. When these teams met three weeks ago, Howard boat-raced Coppin State 72-53 at home — and nothing has changed except Howard getting even sharper.

The narrative here is simple: Howard is peaking at the right time heading into conference tournament play, while Coppin State is playing out the string. The Bison have five players averaging 14+ PPG and are shooting 44.6% from three through Darryl Hudson, who's been unconscious lately. Meanwhile, Coppin State's offense is anemic — 62 PPG ranks near the bottom nationally, and they're shooting just 31.6% from the field through their point guard Troy Franklin. That's not a typo. Their floor general is shooting worse than most teams shoot from three.

Here's the key angle the market is missing: Howard's offensive depth against Coppin State's exhaustion. The Eagles are 4-14 on the road for a reason — they get worn down. In that first meeting, Howard's balanced attack (five different scorers) suffocated Coppin State's two-man game. McKee and Harper combined for 34 points but got zero help. The Bison cruised by 19, and frankly, they took their foot off the gas. This time, as a senior night / season finale scenario, Howard will be motivated to send their home crowd out with a statement.

The total concerns me more than the spread. Both teams play slow (Howard 73.2 PPG, Coppin State 62 PPG), but when Howard gets rolling, they can explode — they've topped 85+ in four of their last six. The 137.5 number feels about right, maybe even slightly low if Howard really lights it up. But the spread? Howard should win this by 25+. They're 13-4 at home, Coppin State is 4-14 on the road, and the talent gap is massive. The first meeting was 19, and Howard's gotten better while Coppin State has gotten worse (1-4 in last five).

The Pick: Howard -19.5 (-110) | 4 Units

This is a mismatch. Howard wins by 30. Lay the wood.

Secondary Pick: Over 137.5 (-112) | 2 Units

If Howard gets hot early and pushes pace, this flies over. The first meeting hit 125 despite Coppin State scoring just 53. If the Eagles find any offense (McKee/Harper are capable), and Howard pours it on, we're looking at 145+ combined.

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