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NCAAB

South Carolina State Bulldogs vs Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Matchup Analysis

This NCAAB matchup features South Carolina State Bulldogs (7-20 (6-5)) traveling to take on Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (8-20 (5-2)) at Hytche Center, Princess Anne, MD. The MD Eastern hold a clear statistical edge this season, outperforming the SC State by 6.4 points per game in scoring margin. That differential will be a key factor in this matchup. MD Eastern averages 63.8 points per game, but they face a SC State defense that holds opponents to 80.4 PPG. The visitors' defensive prowess could limit the home team's scoring output. Meanwhile, SC State scores 66.7 PPG but faces a MD Eastern defense that limits opponents to 71.1 PPG. The home team's defensive effort could be the difference-maker. Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and MD Eastern will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model projects MD Eastern to win by approximately 6.7 points. The 68% confidence interval ranges from MD Eastern winning by 19 to losing by 6. Our model aligns closely with the market on this one, suggesting the oddsmakers have priced this game efficiently. Look for small edges in the total and moneyline markets to capitalize on any remaining value.

Team Comparison

SCST SC State
Stat
UMES MD Eastern
7-20 (6-5)
Record
8-20 (5-2)
Last 10
66.7
PPG
63.8
80.4
Opp PPG
71.1

Current Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
SCST South Carolina State Bulldogs
0 +6.5 O 136.5
UMES Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks
0 -6.5 U 136.5
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Feb 28, 5:43 AM
Opening line: -6.5 / O/U 136.5

Model Projection

Team Moneyline Spread Total
SCST South Carolina State Bulldogs
+217 +6.7 O 130.5
UMES Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks
-217 -6.7 U 130.5
Source: Model Updated: Feb 28, 5:04 AM

Our Picks

Spread
Pass
Model: -6.7 | Edge below threshold
Total
Under (opened at 136.5)
62% Confidence

Play to 131.2

Recent Trends

MD Eastern has struggled this season at 8-20 (5-2). The wins have been hard to come by, and the team is looking for answers on both ends of the floor. Home court advantage will be critical for any chance at pulling off an upset. It's been a difficult season for SC State at 7-20 (6-5). Traveling to face MD Eastern presents a significant challenge, though every game is a chance to build for the future. When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.

Matchup Edges

MD Eastern

Advantages

  • Home court advantage and crowd support
  • Familiarity with home venue and routines

Disadvantages

  • Sub-.500 record at 8-20 (5-2) raises concerns
  • Turnover-prone at 15.6 per game

SC State

Advantages

  • Nothing to lose as the visiting team
  • Road underdog motivation — play with less pressure

Disadvantages

  • Playing on the road without home crowd support
  • Struggling with a 7-20 (6-5) record this season

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