The Bison (6-17, 4-4 in the MEAC) had their struggles of late with players other than leading scorers James "J-Bird" Daniel (20.4 points per game) and Prince Okoroh (15.5 per game) making consistent contributions.  But in the game against the Aggies, freshman forwards Tyler Stone and Solomon "Solo" Mangham both stepped up and came through with some much-needed help in the second half.  They combined for 21 points and 15 rebounds.

"I'm sure that Hampton will follow the same blueprint as everyone else has of late by concentrating on stopping J-Bird and Prince," said Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "But I am confident that we are now to the point where if we play tough, with energy and effort and play for each other, then we'll be fine."

The Pirates (11-11, 6-2 in the MEAC) are coming off a hard-fought, 94-92 double overtime loss to Morgan State on the road on Monday that snapped a three-game MEAC road win streak for them.

They are led by their all-conference candidiate Du"Vaughn Maxwell (15.5 points per game) and their sophomore point guard Deron Powers, last season's MEAC Rookie of the Year and pone of the top set-up players in the conference.

"It is certainly going to be a challenge for us, playing a good Hampton team and a good Norfolk State team on the road," notes Nickelberry.  "But we have said all along that we want to stay relevant.  We are 4-4 in the league and wins from this point on keeps you relevant.  I believe in these young guys and I am confident that they will respond to the challenge."

The game tips off at 6 pm and you can follow the action by logging onto www.hubison.com to hear Chuck Walton provide all the action.