WASHINGTON (March 6, 2025) – Senior guard Marcus Dockery (Washington) scored a game-high 23 points to lead four Bison in double figures, but it was not enough to overcome a late run as the Howard University men's basketball team fell, 81-69, in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchup versus Norfolk State (NSU) at Burr Gymnasium.
 
The Bison dropped their fourth straight, falling to 12-19 (7-7 MEAC) while the Spartans clinched a share of the MEAC Regular Season Title, improving to 21-10 (10-3 MEAC).
 
Norfolk State got the early advantage, bolting out to a 10-2 start. Then, the Bison settled in on the scoring of Dockery and freshman guard Blake Harper (Washington). It then turned into a seesaw affair with neither team able to get a cushion.
 
Norfolk State led, 31-29, at intermission. Then, the undermanned Bison began to get into foul trouble and the deeper Spartans were able to take advantage with a 9-0 run over a five-minute stretch that opened a 13-point lead, the biggest of the game.
 
Most of the damage was done by Brian Moore, Jr., and Jalen Myers, who combined for 13-of-the team's points during the run.

The Bison graduates Anwar Gill (Washington) and Cameron Shockley-Okeke (Norwalk, Conn.) provided some offense when Harper fouled out. They were twice able to get it under double digits, but each time Norfolk State had an answer.
 
The Spartans came into the game leading the MEAC in free throw shooting (76-percent), converting on 17-of-21 in the second half for 81-percent. It was just enough to secure the victory and the top seed in next week's tournament.
 
Dockery, who hobbled most of the game, added six rebounds and three steals to his night's work. Harper, the shoo-in for MEAC Rookie of the Year, finished with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists in a losing cause. Gill finished with 10 points and eclipsed the 1,000-point mark in his career. Shockley-Okeke scored 12 points off the bench.
 
The Spartans were led by Moore (21 points), Chris Fields, Jr. (12 points & seven rebounds off the bench).
 
NEXT UP: Norfolk State will get the top seed while Howard secured the fourth seed. The tournament starts Wednesday (March 12).
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.