Hampton, VA—Following a physically and emotionally draining, 72-69 road loss at Norfolk State on Saturday, the Howard University men's basketball team will have to put the recent past behind it and find a way to defeat rival Hampton University tonight at the HU Convocation Center.  Tip off is scheduled for 8 pm.  You can watch the game by logging onto media.hamptonu.edu/piratetv
 
The cost is $10.
 
With a chance to move into a tie with Norfolk State for second place, the Bison (12-11, 6-3 MEAC) battled back from a double-digit deficit late to tie the game.  But some costly mistakes, a couple of missed layups and some free throw shooting down the stretch by the Spartans proved to be the difference and ended the four-game win streak.
                 
"My guys see me very intense during practice and games, but once the game is over they see my demeanor change and move on very quickly," said Howard Coach Kevin Nickelberry. "I told them that's what they have to do collectively as we gave our all against Norfolk State.  But now it's all about Hampton and we need to go in with a clean slate and ready to work together for a win."
                 
It will not be an easy task for Howard.  The Pirates (9-14, 5-5 MEAC), who were picked to finish second in the preseason, had struggled until Saturday when they pulled out a 64-61 home win over Maryland Eastern Shore that snapped a six-game losing skid.  Hampton has had great success against Howard, winning nine in a row in the series to hold a 33-5 advantage.
                 
"Hampton is another one of those high pressure games, especially at their place," noted Nickelberry, who formerly served as head coach there.  "We have to be mentally and physically ready to come out with a win.  They are a very talented team that is trying to get back on track after their win over UMES on Saturday."
                 
The Pirates are led by junior forward Dwight Meikle (13.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and junior guards Deron Powers (8.4 ppg, 3.5 apg) and Reginald Johnson (10.4 ppg).  Howard counters with its trio of senior forward James "JC" Carlton (16.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg), sophomore guards James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III (17.1 ppg) and James "JT" Miller (12.2 ppg).
                 
Daniel, the preseason Player of the Year, Is a native of the Hampton area, having attended Phoebus High School.  Last year, he scored 21 at Hampton and a career-high 38 in Washington, DC