Dover, DE--The Howard University men's basketball team will be looking to snap its current losing skid when it travels to Dover, DE to take on the improved Hornets of Delaware State on Saturday at 4 pm.

The Bison (6-22, 4-9 in the MEAC) are coming off two tough home losses to Hampton and Norfolk State by a combined total of nine points.  Howard defeated Delaware State, 56-54 in overtime back in December.  This figures to be a pivotal game for both teams.

"Obviously, this is an important game for both teams," said Howard Coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "This time of the season, teams are trying to improve their positions and move up in the standings.  We were able to beat Delaware State early, but this is a different DelState team.  They are playing a lot more loose and confident."

The Hornets (9-18, 5-9 in the MEAC) have won five of their last six and are playing better since they named Keith Walker as the interim coach on January 30. It will be Senior Day for the Hornets which could also be a factor.

"This is a process," said Nickelberry. "In the last two games, we played two of the best teams in the league for the second time this season.  We played better than we did at their places.  Now we go on the road for two games (at Coppin State on Monday) and that is a different kind of challenge.  With a young team like this, there are going to be ups and downs.  If we play with energy and effort, we will hopefully have more ups than downs."

In the game against Norfolk State, the Bison were able to get some production from Prince Okoroh, Tyler Stone and James "JT" Miller while leading scorer James "J-Bird' Daniel struggled in the first half.

Daniel, who poured in 18 of his game-high 20 in the second half, did not play in the first game against the Hornets due to a turf toe.  The 5-11 freshman guard from Hampton, VA, is averaging over 25 points in games against MEAC competition.

As prolific as Daniel has been, he will need help from others if the Bison are to finish the season strong, starting with Delaware State.