The gap between the top tier and the rest in the MEAC is as wide as the Mall in Washington. Not good for Howard, which has too often rolled over in the face of a hot opponent. Loss margins in MEAC play reflect as much, four of those by double-digits, including an 89-66 blowout administered by SC State in D.C. four weeks ago, the first of seven straight wins for the Bulldogs, including a victory over Norfolk State on Saturday. Prior to that 91-88 win over the Spartans, SC State's previous four home wins in Orangeburg came by a whopping 28 ppg. Note explosive Bulldogs G Omar Croskey erupted for a career-high 27 points in the first meeting. Play SC State.

SCST is class of MEAC, with a +10.9, while Howard is fading and at +.2. SCST won first meeting by 23, exploited Howard's league-worst turnover margin and scored 34 points of turnovers. Also have big size/rebounding difference and won points in paint 44-16. Howard 2-4 ATS on road in conference, held below 70 in half of last 8 games and SCST is best offense in MEAC. Could hang 95 on them and have best rebounding margin in MEAC. Howard 2nd worst D in MEAC. SCST 3-0-1 at home in conference with wins of 14, 28 and 30. Bison playing 6th road in game in last 7. Running out of gas. Bulldogs averaging 90/6 over last 5; Bison averaging 74 over their last 5.