BALTIMORE (February 17, 2023) - The Howard University men's basketball team looks to extend its current win streak when it takes on Coppin State University (CSU) in Baltimore Saturday (Feb. 18). The tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. inside PEC Arena.
 
FOLLOW THE ACTION
 
The game will be streamed on CSU website and there will be live stats.
 
LAST TIMEOUT
 
The Bison (16-10, 8-1 MEAC) are coming off a win over Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Monday (Feb. 13). Howard has employed the same formula again, using its frenetic pace on offense and its quality depth to wear down the Hawks, the only team to defeat Howard in conference play this season.
 
It was sophomore guard Elijah Hawkins (Washington), who set the tone early by pushing the ball up court while finding sharpshooters sophomore guard Marcus Dockery (Washington) and junior forward Jordan Wood (San Antonio) for long-range bombs from beyond the arc that had UMES trying to keep up.
 
When the attention focused on the duo, Hawkins was able to get the ball to redshirt junior forward Steve Settle, III (Glenarden, Md.) and freshman sensation Shy Odom (Roxbury, Mass.) for uncontested shots around the basket. And for good measure, the former DeMatha standout kept the Hawks off balance with his acrobatic moves and occasional three-point shots.
 
"In order for us to be effective, we put an emphasis on creating a fast-pace, both on offense and defense," explained Howard Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney. "We are always in attack mode and we train for this every practice."
 
The Bison are averaging over 85 points in the last eight games.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEW
 
The Bison bring in some additional firepower. Senior forward Kobe Dickson (Holcomb, Kan.), senior guard Khalil Robinson (Columbia, S.C.), sophomore guard Bryce Harris (Brentwood, N.Y.), junior guard Thomas Weaver (Upper Marlboro, Md.) and graduate guard Jelani Williams (Washington) bring energy and production off the bench.
 
"I look at them as a starting five," commented Blakeney of his reserves. "I come from the inner city of D.C. and love the style of basketball, that is not only fun to watch, but also fun to play."
 
Of that group, Williams has emerged as perhaps one of the most valuable. The 6-foot-5 native of D.C. has been instrumental to the team's success in some of the recent down-to-the-wire games. In the recent overtime win at Delaware State and the road victory over Norfolk State, it was Williams' cool that prevailed in the victories.
 
"He brings a great deal of leadership to this team," praises Blakeney. "His basketball IQ and experience is crucial to our success."
 
With Howard holding onto first place after being picked to finish third in the preseason, the roles have changed, something Blakeney is keenly aware of as they play next four MEAC games on the road.
 
"We are now in unchartered waters for this program," notes Blakeney, referring to the team's success. "We have to stress that we must get better each game because we are now being the hunted after having been the hunter in the past."
 
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
 
In Coppin State, (6-20, 1-8 MEAC), the Bison face a team that is in the throes of an eight-game losing streak, the latest an 85-52 loss at North Carolina Central Monday (Feb. 13).
 
The Eagles are led by redshirt senior guard Sam Sessoms (conference leader in scoring at 21.5 per game), junior guard Nendah Tarke (12.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and redshirt senior forward Justin Steers (77-percent free throw shooter, 1.2 blocks per game).
 
Sessoms has led the team in scoring 22 of 26 games and a strong candidate for MEAC Player of the Year.
 
MEAC STATS
 
HOWARD
 
Howard is second in free throw shooting (73-percent) and three-point shooting field goal percentage (37-percent) and third in field goal percentage (46-percent), three pointers made per game (7.6) and assists per game (14.6).
 
Individually, Hawkins leads the MEAC in assists (6.0 per game) and fourth in free throw shooting (82-percent) and assists/turnover ratio and fifth in steals (1.7) and eight in three pointers made.
 
Steve Settle, III is second in free throw shooting (84-percent), fifth in rebounding (6.0 per game) and seventh in blocked shots (0.77).
 
Dockery is third in three points made (2.0 per game) and Wood is fifth in that category.
 
COPPIN STATE
 
As a team, Coppin State leads the MEAC in three pointers made (8.6 per game) and third in free throw shooting (72-percent) and fifth in assists/turnover ratio.
 
Sessions leads the conference in scoring (21.5 points per game) and second in field goal percentage (51-percent) and third in free throw shooting (83-percent) and assists (4.6 per game) and fourth in three pointers made (2.0 per game).
 
Tarke is tied for third in steals (1.96 per game) and tied for fifth in rebounds (6.0) and eight in scoring (12.2 per game).
 
Steers is fifth in blocks (1.2) and ninth in free throw shooting (72-percent).
 
SERIES RECORD
 
Last month (Jan. 23), Howard snapped a five-game losing streak to Coppin State, 90-76, at Burr Gymnasium. The Eagles hold a 14-10 advantage since 2006.
 
NEXT UP
 
Howard takes another short trip to Baltimore to take on the Bears of Morgan State Monday (Feb. 20) at 7:30 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.