Washington, DC—The Howard University women's and men's teams host the Pirates of Hampton University on Saturday at 5 and 7 pm in Burr Gymnasium. The Lady Bison (10-14, 6-5 MEAC) and the Lady Pirates (21-4, 12-0 MEAC) tip off at 5 and the men's team's will follow at approximately 7 pm. It is "White Out" Night as all Bison supporters are asked to wear white in support of the Bison.
The Howard men's team will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak after dropping a disappointing 87-73 decision to Maryland Eastern Shore last Saturday. In that game, the Bison had a 20-point lead in the second half, only to lose it.
Hampton (14-11, 9-3 MEAC) is one of the hottest team in the MEAC, having won three in a row and six of the last seven, defeated the Bison, 63-47 on February 8 in Hampton. In that game, Hampton got off to a quick start but the Bison re-grouped in the second half and had opportunities to cut the lead to under double digits, but failed to capitalize. It will be a formidable task for the Bison. The Pirates are 5-1 on the road in the MEAC this season.
"We have to come out with energy and effort," said Howard Coach
Kevin Nickelberry. "We have to take advantage of the atmosphere (in Burr Gymnasium) and get off to a great start. The loss to UMES left a bad taste in our mouths, so it is important that we come out strong and sustain our effort to get a win over a good Hampton team."
Howard (6-20, 4-7 MEAC) is trying to improve its position with four games remaining in the regular season. Following the Hampton game, the Bison will host Norfolk State on Monday, travel to Delaware State for a Saturday game on March 1, then to Coppin State on March 3 and closing out the regular at home against Morgan State on March 6.
"We have to learn from our past and use it to our advantage in these last few games," said Nickelberry.
The Bison continue to get sterling play out of their freshman sensation, guard James "J-Bird" Daniel, who leads the MEAC in scoring at over 21 points per game. Daniel poured in 33 points against UMES, matching his career high.
Prince Okoroh, the team's leading scorer, came out of a mini slump against UMES with 14 points. But the surprise, who has emerged for the Bison is freshman forward
Tyler Stone, who has become a physical presence.
"Tyler has become a big factor as a good rebounder and a physical player for us," said Nickelberry. "When he fouled out of the UMES game, it really hurt us. He needs to stay out of foul trouble because he gives us a physical presence that we need."
