Daytona Beach, FL—Following Saturday's 69-62 win over Florida A&M for their first MEAC road win of the season, the Howard University men's basketball team's celebration was tempered when it found out that reserve point guard Ausar Madison had suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot.  The injury occurred just before the half when he landed awkwardly during a play.  Head coach Kevin Nickelberry says that it is a significant loss.

"Ausar has been playing solid for us lately," commented Nickelberry on his freshman guard.  "He gave us a change of pace when he was in the game.  He gave us the flexibility to move J-Bird (James Daniel) to the other guard position."

Madison, a 5-9 freshman from Carson, CA, played in all 20 games and started six.  He is second on the team in assists to Keon Hill, who he has split time with, first in free throw shooting (81 percent) and fourth in steals.  He will be out for eight weeks.

Nickelberry says that Hill will get increased minutes and that Damon Collins will also get time at the position.

"We've faced adversity with injuries before so we will make the necessary adjustments," he said.  "I am confident that Keon will step up and that Collins, a 6-5 guard will be able to help as well."

Turning his attention to the Bethune Cookman game, Nickelberry admits that he has concerns.  The Wildcats (3-19, 1-6 in the MEAC) had lost 17 in a row before Saturday's home victory over UMES for their first MEAC win.

"You can't look at their record as a reflection on this team," cautioned Nickelberry, who has dropped three in a row to the Wildcats.  "They have played two overtime games against MEAC opponents and have come up just short.  The crowd and their style of play with their pressing and trapping causes problems for us.  But I am confident that we will meet the challenge."

The game tips off at 7:30 pm.  You can catch all the action by logging onto www.hubison.com.  Chuck Walton will bring you all the action.