WASHINGTON (December 21, 2018) – Coach Kevin Nickelberry and the Howard University Men's Basketball team returns to the Nation's Capital where they will renew their rival against Hampton inside the Entertainment and Sports Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. as part of the D.C. Holiday HoopsFest doubleheader.
 
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LAST TIMEOUT
 
Thursday (Dec. 20), the Bison were unable to slow down Ball State's hot shooting as they fell on the road, 98-71, after the Cardinals shot nearly 59-percent (34-of-58) on the night.
 
Four Bison reached double-figures, led by sophomore guard RJ Cole (Union, N.J.) and junior guard Charles Williams (Richmond, Va.). Cole had 11 points and eight dimes while Williams scored 14 points in a losing effort.
 
Howard recorded 41 points off the bench, led by guards Raymond Bethea, Jr. (Atlantic City, N.J.) and Kyle Foster (Hampton, Va.). Bethea, Jr. registered a career-high 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting from downtown while Foster netted 11 points in the loss.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEW
 
Saturday's clash will be the 45^th chapter in the Battle of the Real HU with Hampton leading the all-time series, 39-5.
 
Last season, the Bison took on rival Hampton in front of a sold-out crowd inside The Burr but were unable to slow down the Pirates as they lost, 95-81.
 
In the contest, Williams and Cole combined for 50 points. Cole finished with a game-best 27 points and six dimes while the Virginia native ended the night registering 23 points on 9-of-18 shooting.
 
HOWARD
 
HU (6-6) seeks to get back into the win column and snap its longest skid of the year at three games. Additionally, the Bison look to break Hampton's stranglehold in the series. Currently, the Pirates own a 15-game winning streak over Howard, dating back to 2009.
 
"It's always exciting to face Hampton wherever you play," said Coach Nickelberry. "It brings a lot of energy into the building. I really like our team and they're always talented. It's going to be a Battle of the Real HU down in the new arena."
 
The new state-of-the-art arena is home to Washington, DC's WNBA Washington Mystics, NBA G League Capital City Go-Go, exhilarating concerts, pounding boxing matches, thrilling esports tournaments and more.
 
With key players questionable, the Bison will rely heavily on Cole and Williams to guide the young squad to victory.
 
HAMPTON
 
After more than a week away, Hampton (4-7) returns to the hardwood after grabbing a 72-60 win over Saint Leo. So far this season, the Pirates are 1-6 away from home, including 0-2 in neutral site contests.
 
Junior Jermaine Marrow leads the squads, averaging 26.2 points-per-game (ppg). Kalin Fisher is the only other Pirate scoring in double figures with 14.5 ppg.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Howard ends the 2018 year against crosstown foe Georgetown inside the Capital One Arena. Game-time is scheduled for noon.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.