Howard's Dominance:: Howard enters the championship with a strong 22-10 record and having won their last seven games, five of which were by 20+ points. This includes a dominant 100-67 victory over NC Central earlier in the season.
NC Central's Resilience:: NC Central, with a 14-17 record, had a tougher road to the final, needing overtime to defeat Maryland Eastern and holding off Delaware State in a close semifinal.
Key Players for Howard:: Cam Gillus, a junior guard, is Howard's primary offensive engine, while graduate guard Bryce Harris provides consistent all-around performance.
Key Players for NC Central:: Senior guard Gage Lattimore is the Eagles' top scorer, and senior guard Dionte Johnson plays a critical role as point guard and defender.
The Storyline: Sweep vs. Revenge:: NC Central will be looking to avenge two regular-season losses to Howard. While Howard has a psychological edge, NC Central has the benefit of extensive film study.
Howard comes into the game as the favorite, holding advantages in record, seeding, and regular-season performance against NC Central. Their ability to draw fouls and their defensive pressure are key factors in their success.
NC Central will need Gage Lattimore to be aggressive on offense and Dionte Johnson to handle Howard's defensive pressure to have a chance at the upset. The Eagles are seeking their first MEAC title since 2019.
Howard's Cam Gillus is a player to watch, coming off a 25-point performance in the semifinal. Bryce Harris provides a versatile threat for the Bison.
Gage Lattimore is the key for NC Central. If he can find his shooting touch, particularly from three-point range, the Eagles have a chance to win. Dionte Johnson's ability to distribute and defend will also be crucial.
When and where is the game?
A:: The game is on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET at Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA.
How can I watch the game?
A:: The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
What are the betting odds?
A:: Howard is favored by 11 points. The over/under is set at 145.5 points.
The 2026 MEAC Championship game pits a dominant Howard team against a resilient NC Central squad. Howard is favored due to their strong record and prior wins against NC Central. However, NC Central has the potential to pull off an upset if their key players perform well. Expect a hard-fought contest with an NCAA Tournament bid on the line.
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