Norfolk, VA—The Howard University men's basketball begins the new season when it takes on the Aggies of North Carolina A&T at 4 pm in the Norfolk Scope.  The Bison (7-24) enter as the Number 8 seed while the Aggies (9-22) are the Number 9 seed.

The two teams met on February 3 and Howard prevailed, 68-60 in Burr Gymnasium.  They enter coming off losses in their regular season finale.  The Aggies dropped a decision to Hampton on Thursday.  Howard lost a 68-66 heartbreaker to Morgan State at home on Thursday on a Justin Black three pointer in overtime.

North Carolina A&T, the defending MEAC Tournament champs, is led by senior guards Lamont Middleton and Richaud Pack, who each average 17.4 points.  Sophomore forward Bruce Beckford chips in with 11.2 points per outing.

Howard depends on the scoring of MEAC Rookie of the Year, freshman guard James "J-Bird" Daniel, who leads the MEAC in scoring at 21.7 points and junior forward Prince Okoroh, who averages 14.1 per outing.  The Bison, who have had problems getting consistent production from others, got an unexpected career-high 22 from freshman forward Solomon "Solo" Mangham in the loss to Morgan State.

Equally important for the Bison is the defense of freshman Tyler Stone and red-shirt sophomore Oliver Ellison.  Stone, a 6-7 forward from Toronto, Ontario, has come on strong of late, getting career highs in points (17 versus Hampton), rebounds (11 vs NC A&T) and in blocked shots (4 vs Delaware State).

Ellison, a 6-9 center, has battled injuries, but appears healthy as he has scored 14 points, grabbed 26 rebounds and blocked seven shots over the past three games.  They will be a key if Howard is to have success against the Aggies.

"This is a different team from the one that we played back in February," says Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "You have to remember that this is still part of the team that won the tournament last year.  They have some seniors who have experience in tournament play.  We have to make up for that advantage with energy and effort.  I am confident we will meet the challenge."

The winner takes on North Carolina Central University, the Number 1 seed, on Wednesday at 6 pm.