Norfolk, VA-There will be a lot on the line when the Howard University men's basketball team takes on the Spartans of Norfolk State University, Saturday at 6 pm at Echols.  The Bison (12-10, 6-2 MEAC), who are off to their best start in over a decade, won their fourth in a row on Monday against Maryland Eastern Shore and allowed then to move up to second place in the MEAC, some rare and unfamiliar territory.  You can catch all the action by logging onto http://www.nsuspartans.com/watch/.
 
The Spartans (15-9, 8-1 MEAC) are off to a great start and are in second place in the league, having also won four in a row.  Norfolk State's only MEAC loss was a close decision to first place North Carolina Central early in the season.
                 
In the win over the Hawks on Monday, the Bison had to withstand some physical play to pull out the victory.  James "JC" Carlton continued his current tear with a game-high 31 points and 11 rebounds.  He got plenty of help from sophomore guards, James J-Byrd" Daniel, III and James "JT" Miller who combined for 40 points.  It marked the first time that the Big Three have all played well at the same time.
                 
Also contributing to the win was red-shirt sophomore center Marcel Boyd, red-short junior center Oliver Ellison, red-shirt sophomore guard Keon Hill and sophomore guard Damon Collins.  Their contributions may not have been significant in terms of numbers, but they were nonetheless important.
                 
"We have people who are beginning to understand their roles better," said Nickelberry.  "The Big Three are going to put the ball in the basket, but the other players have to consistently make contributions."
                 
The Bison will need a repeat performance from all if they are going to beat the talented Spartans, who have defeated Howard seven straight times.
                 
"This is a similar game to the UMES game as far as the mindset is concerned," said Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "They had something we wanted which was third place and the only way to get it was to take it.  Well Norfolk State has second place and the only way to go out and get it."
                 
Norfolk State has the league-leading scorer in Jeff Short, who averages almost 20 points per game.  They also have Rashid Gaston one of the top rebounders and inside players and in D'Shon Taylor one of the top three-point shooters.
                 
"It is going to be a daunting task on the road against one of the best teams in the league," noted Nickelberry.  "In Short, they have the leading scorer and in Gaston one of the better big men.  It is going to be a challenge but we have faced challenges all year long and I expect them to respond accordingly."

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