NORFOLK, Va. (March 11, 2023) – Howard University men's basketball team will be going dancing after defeating rival Norfolk State (NSU), 65-64, in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament.
 
In the waning moments, sophomore guard Marcus Dockery (Washington) hit a three pointer to bring the score back within one point, 64-63.
 
On NSU's next possession, Norfolk State inbounded the ball into empty space, sending it straight back out of bounds.
 
With the Bison's next possession, graduate guard Jelani Williams (Washington) was fouled driving to the basket where he drilled a pair of clutches freebies with six ticks remaining.
 
The Bison survived a last-second inside attempt by the Spartans' Kris Bankston that was off the mark.
 
"What a battle, I'm a little speechless," said Howard men's basketball head coach Kenneth Blakeney during the postgame press conference. "We have a team of guys that people didn't believe in. To see this moment come to fruition after a lot of hard work on everybody's part is absolutely wonderful."
 
With the victory, HU (22-12) earned a berth to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1992.
 
Williams led Howard with 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting.
 
"When Coach Blakeney recruited me at the end of last season, I was coming off a loss in the semifinals in the Ivy League tournament," said Williams. "The opportunity to come back home and be around my family and do something that hasn't been done in almost 40 years. For me, it was about legacy."
 
Norfolk State won the opening tip, draining a three-pointer to put the first points on the board.
 
The Bison struggled with their shooting to start off the game, but a layup from Williams tied the game at 13 apiece.
 
Norfolk State started to get a rhythm for the game, going on a quick 5-0 run, but redshirt junior Steve Settle III (Glenarden, Md.) knocked down a corner three to close the gap.

With time dwindling before intermission, Williams drove to the basket for a left-handed layup to put the bison up 28-27. The following play, sophomore guard Elijah Hawkins (Washington) slid a no-look pass to MEAC Rookie of the Year freshman forward Shy Odom (Roxbury, Mass.).
 
The Bison entered halftime leading, 33-27, and held a slim advantage on the boards, 17-14.
 
After intermission, both clubs went back-and-forth down the stretch with clutch performances from Williams and MEAC Player of the Year Joe Bryant, Jr.
 
Bryant finished with 18 points, five rebounds and five steals in a loss.
 
Odom and second-year Bison Bryce Harris (Brentwood, N.Y.) were named to the MEAC All-Tournament Team. Odom claimed the tourney's most outstanding performer while Blakeney took home tournament most outstanding coach.
 
Howard's eyes would focus on the NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday to see which team they would play. Selection Sunday will be aired live on CBS at 6 p.m.
 
For more information, visit meacsports.com or the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.