WASHINGTON (February 28, 2022) – Howard University men's basketball team grabbed a big home win over South Carolina State (SCSU), 72-62, inside Burr Gymnasium.
 
With the victory, HU improved to 16-11 (9-4 MEAC) overall while going 8-1 in the month of February.
 
Despite being outrebounded, 48-36, Howard fought all night on the glass while holding South Carolina State to under 36-percent (22-of-62) shooting.
 
"We defended a full 40 minutes tonight," said Howard men's basketball head coach Kenneth Blakeney postgame. "I'm really proud of the effort we gave on the defensive end and defensive rebounding. I'm extremely happy we were able to execute."
 
Although the Bison struggled to find their rhythm offensively, HU's bench provided the much-needed spark.
 
"Our bench has played a big part all year," Blakeney stated. "We make sure to get those guys involved. We're proud of what they have been able to do for help us win."
 
Graduate Sam Green (Bowie, Md.) played his final game inside The Burr, scoring 10 points off the bench. Newcomer Bryce Harris (Brentwood, N.Y.) added seven points in a reserve role for Howard.
 
SCSU took an early lead after a fast break layup from Latavian Lawrence, 11-5, but the Bison answered with a 13-0 run, capped off by a layup from senior Deven Richmond (Bowie, Md.), 18-13.
 
South Carolina State clawed its way back and regained the upper hand late in the first half, 26-25, but HU finished the period on a 7-0 run and took a six-point lead into the break, 32-26.
 
Moments after intermission, graduate Tai Bibbs (Chicago) connected on a pair of freebies and ballooned the margin to double digits, 37-26. SCSU refused to go away, but Howard kept the pressure on.
 
With less than seven minutes remaining, graduate Kyle Foster (Hampton, Va.) delivered a long ball and gave the Bison their largest lead, 64-48.
 
South Carolina State made one final run, cutting the deficit to seven, 69-62, but Howard made clutch free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
 
Reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week freshman Elijah Hawkins (Washington) led all scorers with 15 points. Redshirt sophomore Steve Settle, III (Glenarden, Md.) registered 11 points and six boards while Foster netted 10 points in the victory.
 
For SCSU (15-14, 7-6 MEAC), Jemal Davis had a team-best 13 points while Deaquan Williams notched a double-double (15 rebounds and 11 points) in the loss.
 
Thursday (March 3), HU goes to Norfolk, Va., to battle Norfolk State in the regular season finale. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.