WASHINGTON (December 17, 2020) – Howard University men's basketball team returns to the hardwood Friday when they host rival Hampton in the next chapter of the Battle of the Real HU. Tipoff is slated for 5 p.m.
 
Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ with Chick Hernandez (play-by-play) and Jimmy Patsos (color) calling the action.
 
Bison Nation can also follow all the action via live stats.
 
No fans or media will be in attendance.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEW
 
Saturday's clash will be the 47^th chapter in the Battle of the Real HU with Hampton leading the all-time series, 40-6.
 
Last season (Dec. 5, 2019), head coach Kenneth Blakeney earned his first career victory after a 94-91 overtime win at Hampton.
 
HOWARD
 
HU (0-4) looks to get into the win column while finding a rhythm before league play, which starts after New Year's against Norfolk State.
 
Senior Kyle Foster (Hampton, Va.) and redshirt freshman Steve Settle, III (Glenarden, Md.) spearheads the Bison attack, averaging 13.3 points apiece.
 
On Dec. 8, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) revealed its men's basketball weekly honors where Settle took home the league's top rookie award. He had his best performance so far in his young career, producing a career-high 23 points versus Bellarmine Sunday (Dec. 6).
 
Freshman big man Makur Maker (West Hills, Calif.), who registered 11.5 points and 6.0 boards in his first two games, and reigning MEAC Rookie of the Year sophomore guard Wayne Bristol, Jr. (Upper Marlboro, Md.) are doubtful for Friday's contest due to injury.
 
HAMPTON
 
After grabbing a season opening victory at George Washington, 82-78, the Pirates (1-3) have dropped their last three, including a 58-75 loss versus William & Mary.
 
Four Pirates average double figures in scoring, led by Davion Warren with 14.5 points. Sharpshooter Chris Shelton posts 12.3 points on nearly 44-percent shooting (14-of-32) beyond the arc while Edward Oliver-Hampton leads the squad in rebounding (6.8 rpg).
 
LAST TIMEOUT
 
On Dec. 6, HU fell to the Bellarmine University Knights, 84-63, inside Burr Gymnasium. Settle scored a career-high 23 points in the loss.
 
True freshman Jordan Wood (San Antonio, Texas) and redshirt freshman Cam Timmons (Warrenton, Va.) added 11 points and 10 points, respectively, in the loss.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Tuesday (Dec. 22), the Bison face Mount St. Mary's in a nonconference showdown. Game-time is set for 1 p.m. in Emmitsburg, Md.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.