Washington, DC--Coming a less-than spectacular 69-67 win over Coppin State at home on Saturday, the Howard University men's basketball team will be have to play much better if it is going to remain unbeaten at home (6-0). The Bison (8-9, 2-1 MEAC) host Delaware State (6-9, 0-1 MEAC) at 7:30 pn on Monday. The Hornets are coming off a 73-67 home loss to Morgan State in its MEAC opener on Saturday. But the Hornets will be a formidable foe for the Bison. They have registered a win over Wake Forest this season and feature two of the top players in the league. "Delaware State will be a tough challenge for us," said Howard Coach
Kevin Nickelberry. "They are very improved and they are senior laden. They have one of the best, if not the best, big men in the league. Plus they have added one of the leading scorers in the league in Amere May, who already scored 48 points in a game early in the season. We will have to play our best basketball by cutting down on our turnovers and being more consistent on defense."
The Bison rank among the best in the MEAC in field goal percentage defense and had held four of their last five opponents to 30 percent shooting, but Coppin State hit on 40 percent of their shots, including 46 percent in the second half. Howard had cut down on its turnovers in recent games, but committed 22 against the Eagles.
On a positive note, James "JC" Carlton continues to show why he is one of the top players in the MEAC. The 6-8 senior forward, who sat out two years, recorded a double double (19 points, 11 rebounds) and made the big plays down the stretch.
James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III finished with 19 points despite spending a lot of time on the bench with foul trouble in the second half. James "JT" Miller, the third part of the Big Three, contributed 10 points.
The Bison swept the Hornets last season, edging them 64-62 in overtime in the Big Apple Classic and pulling out a close 55-53 victory in Dover, DE.
"I am very demanding when it comes to effort, defense and their academic performance," explained Nickelberry. "They have responded great so far and I am proud of them for that.I am sure their character and resolve will be tested against Delaware State, but I am confident we will respond."
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