WASHINGTON (December 8, 2017) – After a tough loss against Georgetown (GU), Coach Kevin Nickelberry and the Howard University Men's Basketball team stay in the D.C. area where they will take on crosstown foe American (AU). Saturday's showdown starts 4 p.m. at Bender Arena.
 
Fans can follow all the action via live stats, Patriot League Network on Stadium, or NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Philadelphia.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEW
 
This will be the 21^st meeting between Howard and American with the Eagles leading the all-time series, 15-5.
 
A year ago, James "JT" Miller poured in 30 points while and Damon Collins and Solomon "Solo" Mangham added 19 and 16, respectively, as HU defeated AU 71-54 in a non-conference game at Burr Gymnasium.
 
For HU (1-9), they are seeking their first road win of the season (0-8). Freshman RJ Cole, two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Week, leads the Bison in scoring (19.3 PPG) while reaching double figures in all 10 games this season. Sophomore Charles Williams, reigning MEAC Player of the Week, is second on the team in scoring (18.1) with five 20-point performances this year. Newcomer Zion Cousins, named MEAC Defensive Player of the Week Tuesday (Dec. 5), leads the squad in rebounding (7.1 RPG).
 
"Like us, American has been very competitive in most of their games," Nickelberry stated. "They have held leads in most of their games this year. We have to build on the steps we have made during the last couple games and continue to get better."
 
American (2-6) looks to break its three-game skid. In the loss at Western Illinois, Sa'eed Nelson's five-game 20+-point streak was snapped while Larry Motuzis had an off night from the outside, but finished with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals in 40 minutes. Before the season, head coach Mike Brennan and the Eagles were projected to finish ninth in the Patriot League.
 
"We will have to put two halves together to get a victory on the road," Nickelberry continued. "But like I've said all year, I like this young group and I will have to be patient and trust the process. At some point, this group will turn the corner and be pretty good."
 
LAST TIMEOUT
 
Thursday (Dec. 7), the Bison battled, but came up short against GU, 81-67, inside the Capital One Arena.
 
HU shot 47-percent (27-of-58) from the floor, including 44-percent (10-of-23) from downtown; however, GU's size would be the difference as they outrebounded Howard, 41-25, while attempting 15 more free throws.
 
Williams led the Bison, recording a game-high 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including six trey balls. The Virginia native netted 18 points after intermission.
 
Cole produced 17 points, eight assists, and three boards in 38 minutes of action. Off the bench, junior Cameron Lewis added a season-best 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting in the loss.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Thursday (Dec. 14), Howard hosts Washington Adventist inside Burr Gymnasium. Game-time is slated for 6 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.