WASHINGTON (January 22, 2023) - The Howard University men's basketball team will be looking to extend its current win streak to four when it hosts Coppin State University (CSU) Monday (Jan. 23) at 7:30 p.m. inside Burr Gymnasium.
 
FOLLOW THE ACTION
 
The game will be streamed live on the Howard University Athletics website (www.hubison.com) and live stats will be available.
 
LAST TIMEOUT
 
The Bison (11-10, 3-1 MEAC) are coming off an impressive 88-56 home win over Morgan State University Saturday (Jan. 21).
 
In that contest, the Howard offense shot 57-percent (34-of-60), including 48-percent (9-of-19) from beyond the arc and recorded a season-best 26 assists on 34 baskets.
 
Defensively, HU limited the high-scoring Bears to 37-percent shooting (22-of-59), including 19-percent (3-of-16) from the three-point line while forcing 22 turnovers that they cashed in on for 39 points.
 
Perhaps the most telling statistic was the Bison reserves versus MSU, holding a 36-14 advantage.
 
Howard Coach Kenneth Blakeney has been working to develop depth as a part of the program.  To that end, 11 different players were rotated the past two games and they appear comfortable with their extended playing time.
 
Senior guard Khalil Robinson (Columbia, S.C.), a one-time starter, graduate guard Jelani Williams (Washington), also a one-time starter, and perhaps the team's best all-around player, senior forward Kobe Dickson (Holcomb, Kan.), sophomore wing Bryce Harris (Brentwood, N.Y.) and junior guard Thomas Weaver (Upper Marlboro, Md.) are all logging valuable minutes.
 
And the Bison may have to find time for yet another reserve in freshman guard Ose Okojie (Brampton, Canada), who had three points, two assists and two steals during his 12 minutes on the floor against MSU. But, most importantly, his defense that was played on the talented offensive players of Morgan State were part of the Bison's success on defense.
 
As for the starters, junior forward Jordan Wood (San Antonio) led his teammates with 15 points, followed by Dickson with 13 points off the bench, 11 points from sharpshooter sophomore guard Marcus Dockery (Washington) and 10 points from redshirt junior forward Steve Settle, III (Glenarden, Md.). Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Year candidate freshman Shy Odom (Roxbury, Mass.) chipped in with nine points.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEW
 
THE SERIES
 
The Eagles have won five straight times, including last year's MEAC Tournament First Round matchup, 59-57. Overall, Coppin State leads the series 47-24.
 
HOWARD
 
The real key to the psyche of the team is its floor general and catalyst, second-year Bison Elijah Hawkins (Washington).
 
Saturday, the 5-foot-11 guard finished with seven points, six under his average, but he dealt out a career-high 13 assists, along with five rebounds and two steals.
 
"There is no doubt, we look to him to get us going," said Coach Blakeney of his floor general.  "We are confident that he will put us in the best situations."
 
Hawkins, also a candidate for post-season honors, is 32-of-36 from the free throw line over the last five games while registering 40 total assists during that period.
 
"I feel that it is my job to set the tone on defense and offense," Hawkins added. "We are now beginning to understand each other on offense and defense and the bench is important as you saw against Morgan State. They give us a breather, so that we are all fresh when we get back in the game."
 
COPPIN STATE
 
In the Eagles (6-15, 1-3 MEAC), Howard faces a team has been their nemesis.
 
Coppins State is led by a strong candidate for MEAC Player of the Year senior redshirt guard Sam Sessoms, who leads the league in scoring (22.0 ppg) while ranking among the league leaders in assists (5.0) and total steals (42). 
 
He gets plenty of support from backcourt mate, redshirt junior guard Nendah Tarke (12.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg & 45 total steals) and redshirt senior wing Justin Streets (9.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg & 24 total blocks).
 
"We just need to focus and continue to get better each night out," noted Hawkins, addressing the possibility of a letdown. "This is a tough conference and you don't have time to celebrate wins."
 
NEXT UP
 
Howard continues its home stand when it takes North Carolina Central Saturday (Jan. 28). Tipoff is slated for 6 p.m., live on ESPNU.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.