WASHINGTON (February 16, 2018) – After Monday's decisive victory over Maryland Eastern Shore, Coach
Kevin Nickelberry and the Howard University Men's Basketball team seek a pair of wins against North Carolina A&T State (Feb. 17) and North Carolina Central (Feb. 19).
Fans can follow Saturday's contest via
live video (PPV). Followers can enjoy Monday's game via
ESPNU and
live stats.
MATCHUP PREVIEWS
HOWARD
After beginning league play 0-4, the Bison (8-19, 5-6 MEAC) have won five out of seven. This season, HU is led by the guard duo of sophomore
Charles Williams (20.0 ppg) and freshman
RJ Cole (23.6 ppg). Recently, the New Jersey native won his 11th league top rookie award while William eclipsed the 1,000-point mark. In the conference, both Bison sit first and third, respectively, in scoring.
"We just got to keep focusing on defense and stopping people," Nickelberry stated. "We got away from it for a couple games, but we found our identity back [against Maryland Eastern Shore]."
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE
On Jan. 22, North Carolina A&T State (NCAT) suffered its first conference loss of the season after falling in OT to the Bison, 90-88. In that last meeting, NCAT (15-11, 8-3 MEAC) shot a respectable 45-percent (32-of-71) from the floor. Davaris McGowens and Femi Olujobi each recorded a double-double in a losing effort. Since then, the Aggies are 3-2, but dropped its last two games.
"Last time we played [North Carolina] A&T, we were able to control their scorers and control what they wanted to do," Nickelberry added. "We got to get back to that formula that allowed us to win a couple games in a row. I think their one of the most talented teams in the league."
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL
Currently, North Carolina Central (NCCU) leads the conference in four categories after a strong showing during the non-conference schedule: allowed per game (69.5); field goal percentage (47.4); rebounding margin (+5.0); and rebounds allowed per game (32.4). In the first meeting, Howard defeated the Eagles, 84-78, which was N.C. Central's first overtime game since the 2015-16 season.
LAST TIMEOUT
Monday (Feb. 12), the Bison rolled past Maryland Eastern Shore, 84-56, inside The Burr.
HU shot 50-percent (27-of-54) from the floor and 80-percent (24-of-30) at the charity stripe. Defensively, Maryland Eastern Shore (6-21, 2-10 MEAC) was held under 28-percent (19-of-69) shooting from the field.
Four Bison reached double-figures, led by Williams with a game-high 28 points on 9-of-18 shooting.
Cole saw his streak of 20-plus points come to an end after scoring 18 points while falling a board shy of earning a double-double.
Senior
Dalique Mingo had a career-high 17 points while grabbing eight rebounds. Redshirt junior
Jalen Jones posted a double-double off the bench with 10 points and 10 boards in the win.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
HU returns to The Burr for their final two home games of the year.
Saturday (Feb. 24), Howard hosts Delaware State on Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day. Tip-off at 2 p.m. Monday (Feb. 26), the Bison meet Norfolk State on Senior Night. Game-time is slated for 4 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
