PRINCESS ANNE, MARYLAND — The first time the University of Maryland Eastern Shore matched up with Howard University this season, it was the opening day of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play. Of course, after a rash of COVID-19 related reschedules both squads were opening up their MEAC schedule a little late.

The Hawks were coming off almost a month off, while the Bison had managed to pick up a road tune-up at Division II Frostburg State two days prior to the meeting.

The results weren't good for Eastern Shore as it lost the lead a few minutes into the first quarter and never recovered. Howard (10-7, 4-1 MEAC) escaped the Hytche Center with a 67-52 win.

In that contest, physicality put the Bison at the charity stripe 32 times and they made 23 (72%). Howard won the battle on the boards 42-38 and led for 36:49 of the game. Howard also recorded 16 points off of turnovers and 13 second-chance points.

In that contest, Bison sophomore Destiny Howell led the team with 20 points including 6-of-14 from behind the arc. That has continued to be a problem as opponents are shooting 34% from the 3-point line against Eastern Shore.

Howell is leading Howard in scoring during MEAC play with 13.6 per game against conference rivals and is second for the season (11.6).

The Bison spent the entire month of January playing on the road, while the Hawks played four of their five games at home. Howard sits in second place in the MEAC standings at 4-1 and 10-7 overall. Norfolk St. — The Shore's Monday opponent — currently has a one-game lead over the Bison.