Norfolk, Va—The Howard University men's basketball team will look to continue its improved play when it takes on the Spartans of Norfolk State University in a key Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Saturday at 6:30 pm in Joseph Echols Memorial Hall on University campus. 

The Bison (7-21, 4-9 in the MEAC) are encouraged despite dropping a 66-59 home loss to North Carolina Central University. Howard trailed through most of the game, but put on a furious rally led by senior forward/center Tyler Stone, who has been one of the keys to the team winning two of its last three games. Howard was able to take the lead at 58-56 late but the league-leading Eagles, who have won 12 in a row, shut down the Bison with a 10-1 run. 

It has been James "JT" Miller, Charles "CJ" Williams, Solomon "Solo" Mangham and Damon Collins, along with Stone, who have contributed to the improved play. Miller and Williams have provided much of the firepower as they combine for 32 points per game. Mangham, a senior forward has been a force on the boards and Collins has settled in at the point guard position. Stone, a 6-7 senior, has brought energy off the bench and has proven to be a matchup problem for opponents. 

Following the Norfolk State game, Howard returns home to host Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday in the final home game for the seniors and then it closes out the regular season at Delaware State on March 2. 

To finish strong down the stretch would give the Bison momentum headed into the tournament, March 6-11 at the Scope here in Norfolk. 

In the Spartans (14-14, 11-3 in the MEAC), Howard faces a team that is trying to wrap up a second seed. They have in Jonathan Wade, one of the top players in the league along with point guard Zaynah Robinson and shot-blocker Jordan Butler. 

Game Notes: /documents/2017/2/25//MBBALL_29.pdf?id=532

NEXT UP: Howard hosts Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday night at 8 pm. It will be Senior Night for 8 members of the team and they will be recognized in the pre-game ceremonies.