The Howard University men's basketball team will be looking to turn its season around when it hosts Savannah State on Monday at 7:30 pm in Burr Gymnasium.  It will be season MEAC home opener for the Bison who have not played at home in over a month.

The Bison (3-14, 1-1 in the MEAC) are coming off a much-needed nine-day break that is just what the doctor ordered.  Howard has played one of its most challenging schedules in recent years that featured 17 games in 45 days that covered  as far north as Boston against Harvard, as far south as Orlando vs Central Florida, as far west as Los Angeles vs USC and even the Southwest vs Houston.

The team's problems have been compounded by the team's youth, with nine freshmen—four of whom start—and the injury bug.  Leading scorer James "J-Bird" Daniel, who averages almost 20 per game, has missed the past four games nursing a toe injury and James "JT" Miller, who averages over seven per game, has missed 10 games with an inflamed knee.  Both will be back in the lineup.

"It is good to have Daniel and Miller back," said Howard Coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "It could not have come at a better time.  This is league play and we will be healthy for the first time this season.  I expect them to be a little rusty but the good thing is that they have had substantial playing time so it should not be that big of an adjustment."

In the absence of Daniel and Miller, the Bison have relied on junior forward Prince Okoroh, who is averaging almost 17 points per game.  The All-MEAC candidate leads the team in rebounds, steals and minutes played.

The Bison have gotten improved play from freshman forward Solomon "Solo" Mangham, from freshman point guard Keon Hill and from red-shirt sophomore center Oliver Ellison.

"We have now developed more depth and experience as a result of the tough schedule and injuries and that is major plus as we get back into league play," noted Nickelberry.  

In Savannah State, the Bison will get a strong test.  The Tigers (4-12, 2-0 MEAC) have won two in a row including an impressive win over Coppin State on the road.  In that game, SSU hit on 11 of 21 from beyond the arc and got 14 points and 20 rebounds from Jyles Smith.

"This is a huge game because it is league play and Savannah State has won both their conference game by double digits," said Nickelberry. "We have to take care of the home court.  The key is taking care of the ball and rebounding against them.  I am confident we will play well."