WASHINGTON (November 3, 2025) – Howard University men's basketball team opens its 2025-26 campaign against SEC (Southeastern Conference) opponent Missouri inside Burr Gymnasium. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m., on ESPN+.
 
FOLLOW THE ACTION
 
Fans can follow all the action on ESPN+. Melissa Kim will handle the play-by-play and Lynnell Willingham will provide the color commentary.
 
Bison Nation can also follow via live stats. Tickets are still available.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEW
 
This is a nonconference game between Missouri and Howard.
 
Missouri finished 22-12 during the 2024-25 season with a 10-8 record in the SEC, good for sixth place and a trip to the NCAA Tournament where they lost to Drake in the first round.
 
Last season, Howard finished 12-20 (7-7 MEAC) and fell in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Quarterfinal Round to Morgan State, 91-90.
 
The Bison return a new starting lineup, led by graduate guard Bryce Harris (Brentwood, N.Y.), who missed most of the season after being selected the MEAC Preseason Player of the Year.
 
Howard will depend on the return of Harris to the lineup, along with some key transfers, including guard Cam Gillus (Falls Church, Va.) and forwards Alex Cotton (Carrollton, Texas) and Cedric Taylor III (Atlanta).
 
SERIES RECORD
 
A year ago, Howard traveled to Missouri where they lost, 77-62. It was the first meeting between the two programs.
 
COACHES
 
Missouri is coached by Dennis Gates (Cal Berkeley, '02), who is in his fourth season. Howard is led by Kenneth Blakeney (Duke '95), who is in his sixth season at the helm.
 
KEY PLAYERS
 
MISSOURI
 
The Tigers return junior guard Mark Mitchell, who averaged almost 14 points and five rebounds while earning Third Team All-SEC Honors. Trent Pierce and Anthony Robinson also started last season, making the Tigers the only team in the SEC to return at least three starters in the transfer portal era.
 
In Missouri's exhibition, the Tigers got a balanced attack of five players in double figures in a 100-91 win over Kansas State.
 
HOWARD
 
Howard is led by Harris, who missed most of last season due to injuries after being the 2024-25 MEAC Preseason Player of the Year.
 
Like Missouri, Howard will rely on some transfers: Gillus (transfer from Lehigh); Taylor (transfer from Morehouse and Cotton (transfer from North Texas State).
 
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP
 
HOWARD
 
No.      Position           Name                         
13        Center             Darius Kazakevicius
2          Guard               Cam Gillus
4          Guard               Alex Cotton
12        Guard              Cedric Taylor II
34        Guard              Bryce Harris
 
MISSOURI
 
No.      Position           Name                         
14        Forward           Jevon Porter
25        Forward           Mark Mitchell
15        Center             Shawn Phillips Jr.
0          Guard              Anthony Robinson II
12        Guard              Sebastian Mack
 
GAME NOTES
 
MISSOURI
 
Missouri is the fourth Power Four team to play at Burr in the school's history…The Bison also played host to Oregon State (PAC-12), Notre Dame (ACC), Cincinnati (Big 12) and now the Tigers…Moreover, Missouri has played several HBCU teams in the past, but Howard is the first that it has traveled to their facility…The Tigers averaged almost 84 points per game last season, which ranked ninth nationally.
 
HOWARD
 
Howard has been picked to finish second in the MEAC preseason predictions behind Norfolk State, last year's tournament champion…Howard was one of the best three-point shooting teams in Division I a year ago…Gates' wife is a HU alum.
 
NEXT UP
 
Missouri hosts Southeast Missouri State Friday (Nov. 7) while Howard entertains UDC at 7 pm in Burr Gymnasium Thursday (Nov. 6).
 
For more information, visit the official Howard Athletics website www.hubison.com.