WASHINGTON (November 29, 2017) – After opening the 2017-18 season with seven straight road games, Coach
Kevin Nickelberry and the Howard University Men's Basketball team come home where they host Central Penn at The Burr. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
Fans can follow all the action via
live video.
MATCHUP PREVIEW
After three weeks into the season, Howard (0-7) finally comes home in search for its first win of the season. Despite a few tough shooting nights, the Bison continue to let it fly. As of Nov. 27, HU has attempted 178 three-pointers, which is second in the conference behind Savannah State (264). The dynamic duo of guards
RJ Cole and
Charles Williams account for 51-percent (34.6 PPG) of points per game. Cole leads the club in scoring (18.9 PPG) and assists (6.1 APG) while eclipsing 86-percent (42-of-49) from the foul line. Williams, 2017-18 MEAC Preseason All-Conference First Team selection, is second on the team in scoring, averaging 15.7 PPG.
"Our biggest issue is rebounding," Nickelberry stated. "We have to solve rebounding. You can't run if you don't have the ball."
Currently, the Bison have been outrebounded, 265-198, which is more than 11 boards per game.
Central Penn (6-4) looks to get back on track after a 96-75 loss against NAIA foe Georgetown. A year ago, the Knights dropped a close bout in D.C., 67-60.
"Central Penn is a scrappy team that's going to press us all game," Nickelberry added. "We have to do a better job of defending. They made a lot of threes last year. They want to play fast like us, but we have to defend and keep them off the free throw line."
In that contest, Solomon Mangham scored 10 of his team-high 17 points in the second half, including two key baskets and a couple of free throws down the stretch. Central Penn, which played 14 players, was led by Tyrie Orosco with 24 points and six boards. Tyree Tucker added 10 points while Joel Zola came off the bench and chipped in nine points in a losing effort.
LAST TIMEOUT
Monday (Nov. 27), the Bison ended its seven-game road swing with a 75-55 loss at Liberty where the Flames outrebounded Howard, 37-24.
HU was unable to find their rhythm, shooting 39-percent (20-of-51) from the field, including 27-percent from downtown. Additionally, the Bison shot all 17 free throw attempts in the second half and went 53-percent (9-of-17) from the charity stripe.
Cole and Williams combined for 25 points. Williams had a team-best 13 points while Cole provided 12 points, seven dimes, and three boards in 33 minutes of action.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
On Dec. 4, Howard concludes its brief two-game home stand when the Penn Quakers come calling. Game-time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Burr Gymnasium.
Monday's contest will be the ALS College Awareness Basketball Game, presented by Full Court Press on ALS.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
