The Howard Bison put their three-game winning streak on the line Tuesday morning as they visit the Drexel Dragons in a nonconference college basketball matchup at Daskalakis Athletic Center in Philadelphia. Tipoff is scheduled for 11:00 AM ET, with Drexel entering as a 6.5-point favorite despite uneven recent form.
Howard arrives with momentum. Drexel arrives with history. The contrast sets up a compelling December test for both programs.
Howard Riding Confidence After December Surge
Howard has quietly found rhythm after an inconsistent start to the season. The Bison enter at 7–5, winners of three straight games, including a gritty 61–57 victory over Hampton last weekend.
Head coach Kenny Blakeney, now in his seventh season, has emphasized defense and balance during the winning stretch. Howard averages 76.4 points per game, while holding opponents to 71.5, numbers that reflect improved cohesion at both ends of the floor.
Senior guard Bryce Harris remains the offensive engine. Projection models peg him for roughly 16–17 points in this matchup, but Howard’s recent success has come from depth. The Bison routinely feature four or more players scoring eight points or more, making them less dependent on a single option.
The challenge, however, is the road. Howard is 0–3 away from home this season. Tuesday offers a chance to erase that narrative against a CAA opponent.
Drexel Leaning on Home-Court Advantage
Drexel enters at 4–6, searching for consistency after a narrow 69–64 loss to La Salle. While the Dragons have struggled overall, they remain strong at home, posting a 3–1 record at Daskalakis Athletic Center.
The Dragons also hold a 3–0 all-time series lead over Howard, including a 68–65 win last December. That familiarity could matter in a game expected to be competitive.
Guard Shane Blakeney leads Drexel’s scoring attack, projected around 14 points, but offensive efficiency has been an issue. Turnovers and late-game execution have limited Drexel’s ability to close tight contests.
Head coach Zach Spiker, in his 10th season, needs a stabilizing win to push the Dragons back toward .500 before conference play intensifies.
Betting Outlook and Key Numbers
Oddsmakers favor Drexel by 6.5 points, largely due to home court. The over/under sits around 139.5 points, with advanced simulations projecting a higher total closer to the mid-140s.
Four of Drexel’s last six games have gone over the total, while Howard’s improved offense suggests scoring opportunities if pace increases.
| Category | Howard | Drexel |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 7–5 | 4–6 |
| Points Per Game | 76.4 | 71.7 |
| Points Allowed | 71.5 | 71.3 |
| Leading Scorer | Bryce Harris | Shane Blakeney |
What’s at Stake
For Howard, a road win would be a statement result—proof that recent success translates beyond familiar environments. For Drexel, protecting home court is essential to regaining confidence and stabilizing a young season.
The early start time adds unpredictability, often neutralizing crowd energy and favoring disciplined teams.
Prediction: Expect a competitive game. Drexel’s home edge gives them a narrow advantage, but Howard’s momentum suggests the Bison can cover the spread and threaten an outright upset if they control turnovers and tempo.
