PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (January 7, 2019) – Coach Kevin Nickelberry and the Howard University men’s basketball team (7-9, 1-1 MEAC) won their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) contest by blowing out Maryland Eastern Shore (2-15, 0-2 MEAC) on the road, 79-39, inside the W. P. Hytche Center.

With the victory, HU snapped its longest skid of the season at six while breaking its seven-game road losing streak.

After struggling defensively in their last outing, the Bison bounced back by limiting the Hawks to just 12 first half points on 4-of-28 shooting.

photo by Megan Raymond

“It was our number one and only focus in practice and shoot around,” said Nickelberry after the game. “We played some different guys with experience instead of the younger guys because we needed guys who [have] been in the wars before.”

Sophomore RJ Cole (Union, N.J.) finished with a game-high 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assists while junior guard Charles Williams (Richmond, Va.) added 16 points and six rebounds in the victory.

With 11:57 to play in the half, Cole hit a three pointer to give the Bison a 5-4 lead that they would never relinquish. Cole and Williams scored 11 points apiece for the Bison in the first half.

On the glass, Howard outrebounded the Hawks 46-31, led by sophomore forward Zion Cousins (Upper Marlboro, Md.) pulling down a career-high 13 boards.

Maryland Eastern Shore’s Ahmad Frost was the only Hawk to finish in a double figures, scoring 10 points.

“Our goal is to win a championship,” Nickelberry concluded. “We needed a win to get back in the conversation. Obviously, any road win in the MEAC is a good one. No matter where you go, it’s tough to win on the road.”

The Bison continue their season on Saturday (Jan. 12) when they host Bethune-Cookman. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. at Burr Gym.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.