It’s time for the big dance to tip-off.
The Wagner Seahawks will take on the Howard Bison in the opening First Four matchup of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday night.
The game will decide the No. 16 seed in the West Region of the bracket and the winner will face the No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels in the first round on Thursday.
Wagner emerged as champions of the Northeast Conference finishing the conference tournament with a 54-47 win over Merrimack. Howard reign as the champions of the MEAC after defeating Delaware State.
Here’s everything you need to know about Wagner’s date with Howard in the March Madness First Four round, including predictions, odds and how to watch.
March Madness expert picks: Our bracket predictions for 2024 NCAA men’s tournament
Wagner vs. Howard predictions
USA TODAY Sportsbookwire Nathan Beighle: Howard 64-59 Wagner
“Wagner struggled during the regular season yet picked up steam during its conference tournament. Expect battling an unfamiliar foe to bring back those struggles and avoid taking the underdog here.”
FOX Sports: Howard 66-62 Wagner
Fox Sports’ model, which is based off of betting statistics, implies that the Bison will edge out the Seahawks by four.
ESPN: Howard
The Worldwide Leader’s Matchup Predictor gives the Bison a 54.8% chance of winning.
Wagner vs. Howard: Odds, spread and lines for March Madness
Howard is the favorite to defeat Wagner in Tuesday’s March Madness matchup according to the BetMGM college basketball odds.
