WASHINGTON (November 17, 2017) – Coach Kevin Nickelberry and the Howard University Men's Basketball team return to the court Saturday for another trio of games in five days.
 
Saturday (Nov. 18), HU takes on Eastern Michigan at 2 p.m., followed by a trip down to Jonesboro, Ark. where Arkansas State awaits. Game-time is slated for 8 p.m.
 
On Nov. 22, Howard battles South Florida in Tampa, Fla. Tip-off begins 7 p.m.
 
All three contests are part of the Indiana Tip-Off Classic.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEWS
 
HOWARD
 
After the first three games, the young Bison (0-3) have played a fast-pace tempo while attempting 85 trey balls. Reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Week freshman guard RJ Cole spearheads the attack, averaging 22 points per game (PPG) and 6 assists per game (APG). Sophomore guard Charles Williams, MEAC Preseason All-Conference First Team selection, adds 11.3 PPG while newcomer Kyle Foster provides a spark off the bench with 12.3 PPG.
 
EASTERN MICHIGAN
 
Eastern Michigan (EMU) remained perfect to begin the 2017-18 campaign with a 76-59 victory over Arkansas State Thursday (Nov. 16) inside the Convocation Center. EMU (3-0) defeated the Red Wolves (1-2) by a 17-point margin as both teams kicked off the 2017 Hoosier Tipoff Classic. Junior James Thompson IV became the 30th Eagle to join the 1,000-point club, pacing Eastern Michigan with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
 
ARKANSAS STATE
 
On Nov. 16, Deven Simms notched his first career double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, but 23 turnovers by the Arkansas State (1-2) contributed to a 76-59 defeat at Eastern Michigan. Simms scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half, shooting 7-for-9 from the floor. Tamas Bruce was the only other A-State player in double figures as he finished with 15 points.
 
SOUTH FLORIDA
 
Before meeting HU, the Bulls (2-1) square off against Indiana Sunday (Nov. 19). On Nov. 15, USF came out running early, scoring 41 points in the first half before securing Brian Gregory's 250th career head coaching victory with a 75-72 road win at Stetson. Overall, South Florida shot 52 percent (25-for-48) from the field, including 45.5 percent (10-for-22) from three.
 
LAST TIMEOUT
 
On Nov. 10, the Bison came up short in its season opener, falling to crosstown foe George Washington, 84-75, at the Smith Center. Cole and Williams led the Bison attack, combining for 44 points.
 
Two days later (Nov. 12), HU battled, but fell on the road at Indiana (IU), 86-77. Cole had another stellar performance, recording 27 points and eight assists in 39 minutes of action.
 
Last Tuesday (Nov. 14), Howard traveled across the country where they lost to No. 17 Gonzaga, 106-69, at the McCarthy Center. Cole led the Bison attack, registering 16 points and four dimes, while Zion Cousins grabbed a team-best 10 boards in 23 minutes of action.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
On Nov. 27, HU concludes its seven-game road swing at Liberty. Game-time is slated for 7 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.