WASHINGTON (February 5, 2022) – Howard University men's basketball team defeated the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks, 72-64, inside Burr Gymnasium.
 
With the win, HU improved to 9-10 (3-3 MEAC) while the Hawks dropped to 7-10 (2-4 MEAC).
 
"This win said a lot about our team," said Howard men's basketball head coach Kenneth Blakeney postgame. "It was a grind out, methodical kind of effort from our guys and it showed great poise, maturity and resilience. It was a great win for us."
 
Despite shooting only 39-percent (23-of-59), nine Bison scored in the contest, led by sharpshooter Kyle Foster (Hampton, Va.). The Virginia native led all scorers with 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the floor, including 4-of-9 from downtown.
 
Eastern Shore led early in the first half until a putback from sophomore Jordan Wood (San Antonio) gave HU its first lead of the game, 15-13.
 
Both clubs went back-and-forth throughout the period, but Howard grabbed the upper hand before intermission. HU clamped down on the defensive end, holding Eastern Shore scoreless in the final five minutes before halftime while closing the half on a 9-0 run, 32-24.
 
After the break, Maryland Eastern Shore fought back and tied the game at 44 apiece, thanks to a jumper from Nathaniel Pollard, Jr.
 
Howard answered the Hawks' charge with a 21-4 run, capped off by a jumper from junior Khalil Robinson (Columbia, S.C.), with less than four minutes left, 65-48.
 
Eastern Shore made one final run, but HU kept the Hawks at bay.
 
Reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Week Elijah Hawkins (Washington) recorded 12 points, eight assists and four boards while redshirt sophomore Steve Settle, III (Glenarden, Md.) added 10 points and four rebounds in the win.
 
"I love our balance," Blakeney continued. "Even though Elijah and Steve don't have a lot of playing experience, it's great that they can rely on guys like Kyle, Randall Brumant and Tai Bibbs. It was a great balanced team victory."
 
Brumant (Houston) had eight points, four rebounds and a pair of blocks while Bibbs (Chicago) collected five boards and four points.
 
For Maryland Eastern Shore, Pollard had a team-best 19 points while Chace Davis chipped in 10 points.
 
Monday, (Feb. 7), the Bison meet Delaware State in a MEAC showdown. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Dover, Del.
 
The next night (Feb. 8), Howard plays Gallaudet in their final nonconference game of the season. Game-time is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside The Burr.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.