WASHINGTON (March 28, 2018) – Coach Larry Strickland and the Howard University Men's Tennis team come home where the Duquesne Dukes await. Match time is slated for 2 p.m. at the Banneker Recreation Center.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEW
 
Howard (0-9) continues its search for win No. 1. In the last couple weeks, Coach Strickland's squad has shown improvement with victories in singles and doubles competition; however, not collectively in a result of a team win. Junior Karim Shokeir and sophomore Sagar Raju are the Bison's top doubles team, posting a 4-4 (1-0 MEAC) overall record.
 
Duquesne (7-6) enters Thursday's match breaking a two-match skid after defeating Saint Joseph's (Pa.), 6-1. Despite an overall record above .500, the Dukes have struggled away from home. Collectively, they are 1-5 in away (0-2) and neutral sites (1-3). Adam Blasinsky comes in as the squad's top singles player with a 15-12 dual record.
 
LAST TIMEOUT
 
On March 24, HU dominated in doubles play but were unable to duplicate its performance in singles competition as they lost to rival Hampton, 4-1, at the Folkes-Stevens Tennis Center on the campus of Old Dominion University.
 
In doubles play, Shokeir and Raju served as the squad's top doubles team where they defeated Hampton's Peter Odegbami and Fedor Shirin, 6-3.
 
Sophomore Cole Gittens and freshman Roger Lyn put the Bison ahead after doubles competition, edging out the Pirates' Matt Foster-Estwick and Fernando Fernandes, 7-5.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Saturday (March 31), Howard resumes conference play against Norfolk State. First-serve is set for 1 p.m. at the Banneker Recreation Center.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.