Howard defeats Delaware State 59-91

The Howard University Bison, led by Cedric Taylor III's 17 points and 5 rebounds, dominated the Delaware State Hornets 91-59 in a non-conference matchup at Memorial Hall. The 32-point margin of victory was a reflection of Howard's strong offense, which shot 51 points in the first half, including 7 three-pointers. Delaware State, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, scoring only 26 points in the first half, with Miles Webb and Dean Shepherd leading the team with 10 points each. The Hornets' recent trend of averaging 59.4 points per game over their last 5 games continued, as they were unable to keep up with Howard's high-powered offense.

As the game progressed, it became clear that Howard was the superior team, with a 4-1 record over their last 5 games, averaging 81 points per game. They outscored Delaware State by 25 points in the first half, with Cam Gillus adding 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists to the team's total. Delaware State, on the other hand, has struggled recently, with a 1-4 record over their last 5 games, being outscored by an average of 8.4 points per game. The Hornets' inability to defend Howard's three-point shooting, which went 7-for-14 in the first half, was a major factor in their struggles.

The star performers for Howard, including Cedric Taylor III and Bryce Harris, who both scored 17 points, were instrumental in the team's victory. However, it was Cam Gillus who did the dirty work, grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing out 7 assists, while also scoring 13 points. For Delaware State, Miles Webb and Dean Shepherd were the only bright spots, scoring 10 points each, but they were unable to carry the team to victory. Jalen St Clair added 9 points, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. As the game wore on, it became clear that Howard's depth and talent were too much for Delaware State to handle, with 5 players scoring in double figures.

The game was essentially over by halftime, with Howard leading 51-26. Delaware State was unable to mount a comeback, scoring only 33 points in the second half, while Howard added 40 more points to their total. The Hornets' struggles on defense were evident, as they allowed Howard to shoot 55% from the field, including 40% from three-point range. The 32-point margin of victory was a clear indication of Howard's superiority, and it marked their 17th win of the season, improving their record to 17-10. Delaware State, on the other hand, fell to 6-19, with their NET ranking of 360 making it unlikely that they will be a factor in the tournament conversation.

The CHD Scout prediction of Howard by 11.5 points was correct, but the actual margin of victory was much larger, at 32 points. The prediction was accurate because it took into account Howard's strong offense, which has been averaging 81 points per game over their last 5 games. The model also correctly identified Delaware State's struggles on defense, which have allowed an average of 67.8 points per game over their last 5 games. The large margin of victory can be attributed to Howard's ability to capitalize on Delaware State's mistakes, scoring 24 points off turnovers and 16 points in transition. The game was a clear example of how a team's recent form and trends can be a strong indicator of their performance, with Howard's 4-1 record over their last 5 games being a major factor in their victory.

As the season enters its final stretch, games like this one matters in determining the tournament picture. Howard's victory improved their NET ranking to 230, making them a more attractive candidate for a tournament bid. Delaware State, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the postseason. The Hornets' recent trend of being outscored by an average of 8.4 points per game over their last 5 games is a major concern, and they must address their defensive struggles if they hope to be competitive. With only a few games left in the season, every game counts, and teams like Howard want to build momentum and secure a spot in the tournament.

The win for Howard has real consequences for their tournament resume, as it improves their quad 4 record and boosts their NET ranking. The Bison's 17-10 record, combined with their strong recent form, makes them a strong candidate for a tournament bid. The graphic shows that Howard's quad 4 record is now 4-1, with a NET ranking of 230, making them a more attractive candidate for a tournament bid. Delaware State, on the other hand, must win out and get some help from other teams if they hope to make a push for the postseason. The Hornets' NET ranking of 360 makes it unlikely that they will be a factor in the tournament conversation, but they can still play spoiler and affect the tournament hopes of other teams. As the season enters its final stretch, games like this one matters in determining the tournament picture, and teams like Howard want to build momentum and secure a spot in the tournament.

In the end, the game was a clear indication of the talent and depth of the Howard University Bison. With their strong offense and stingy defense, they were able to dominate the Delaware State Hornets, winning 91-59. The 32-point margin of victory was a reflection of Howard's superiority, and it marked their 17th win of the season. As the season enters its final stretch, games like this one matters in determining the tournament picture, and teams like Howard want to build momentum and secure a spot in the tournament. With their recent form and trend data indicating a strong finish to the season, Howard is a team to watch in the coming weeks. The Bison's ability to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes and their strong team defense will make them a tough opponent for any team in the tournament. As the season comes to a close, it will be interesting to see how Howard's strong finish to the season will impact their tournament hopes.