NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — A surging Howard squad will look to cement its status as a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference frontrunner when it hosts a South Carolina State team riding a late-season surge on Friday, March 13.

The Bison (21-10), winners of six straight, face the Bulldogs (10-21) at the Constant Convocation Center. Howard enters with dominant momentum, having won its last five conference games by an average margin of 28.2 points. Their most recent outing was an 84-76 victory at Norfolk State on March 5.

Howard is led by guard Cam Gillus, who is coming off a 22-point, 4-assist performance against Norfolk State. Over the last six games, Gillus has averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 assists, orchestrating one of the league’s most efficient offenses.

South Carolina State, however, arrives with confidence after winning three of its last four, including an 88-82 road victory at Norfolk State just one day prior to this matchup. The Bulldogs are led by guard Jayden Johnson, who exploded for 28 points in that win. Johnson has averaged 17.1 points over his last eight contests, powering his team’s improved form.

The teams split their regular-season series. Howard delivered a commanding 85-57 home win on Feb. 7, but South Carolina State edged the Bison 58-57 at home on Jan. 3.

Despite the Bulldogs’ recent uptick, the statistical models heavily favor the Bison. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Howard is projected with a 76.80 percent probability to win. The Bison’s superior record, sustained dominance, and deeper roster present a significant challenge for a South Carolina State team playing its second game in as many days.

A Howard victory would solidify its position atop the MEAC standings heading into the conference tournament, while a South Carolina State win would mark a stunning late-season turnaround and serve as a major statement ahead of the postseason.