WASHINGTON (February 7, 2018) – Coach
Kevin Nickelberry and Howard University Men's Basketball team return to The Burr where they renew their rivalry with the Hampton Pirates. Thursday's tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The contest was originally scheduled for Monday, Jan. 8. Before tip-off, sophomore
Charles Williams will be recognized for reaching the 1,000-point club, back on Feb. 3.
Fans can follow all the action via
live stats and
live video.
MATCHUP PREVIEW
Thursday's clash will be the final meeting between Howard and Hampton as the Pirates will be leaving the conference.
"Since I've been here, the Hampton game has always been a highly competitive game that brings out the best in both teams," Nickelberry stated back in January. "This is one of the few games that you won't have to motivate your team to get up for and I'm sure they will be motivated as well."
Howard comes in looking to rebound from a tough road loss at Morgan State, 97-61. Coach Nickelberry's squad look to get back to .500 in league play (4-5) and move up the standings. This season, HU is led by the guard duo of Williams (20.0 ppg) and freshman
RJ Cole (23.6 ppg). Recently, the New Jersey native won his 10
th league top rookie award while William eclipsed the 1,000-point mark. In the conference, both Bison sit first and third, respectively, in scoring.
"Hampton being a quick turnaround gives us a chance to get past our disappointing performance against Morgan State," Nickelberry stated. "We will be facing a team that is playing well right now after going to N.C. Central and getting a convincing win last time out. This young team has been resilient all year and I'm confident that we will bounce back and play well."
Hampton enters Thursday's showdown a half-game ahead of Howard in the conference standings (5-4). Coach Buck Joyner, Jr.'s squad split their Tar Heel trip, falling at North Carolina A&T State, 92-84, but defeating North Carolina Central, 86-70. Sophomore Jermaine Morrow leads the squad in scoring (20.3 ppg), which second in the league behind Cole.
"This rivalry will be new for the core of our team," said Nickelberry. "It's important that I try to prepare them as much as I can for the emotion and atmosphere that they will experience on Thursday."
LAST TIMEOUT
Howard saw its four-game winning streak come to an end at Morgan State, 97-61, inside the Hill Field House.
Howard was unable to find their rhythm, shooting below 39-percent (20-of-52) from the floor.
Despite the loss, Cole had an incredible game, dropping a game-high 30 points, four boards and four dimes.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
HU returns to the court Monday (Feb. 12) when Maryland Eastern Shore comes to The Burr. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
