PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team hopes to defend the Hytche from the Howard University Bison, who make the trip to Princess Anne on Monday, January 9 for the 7:30 p.m. Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tilt.
The Hawks (7-8, 0-1 MEAC) have taken pride in defending home court this year, beginning the season with a 5-0 record on their floor for the first time since the 1996-97 season. UMES still chases the 1995-96 Hawks, who won their first seven home contests.
Meanwhile, the Bison (8-9, 1-0 MEAC) hold a 2-5 record on the road this season, with wins at Austin Peay and Harvard in the non-conference.
Checking on the Hawks
UMES will look to put Saturday in the rearview mirror after falling to Norfolk State on the road, 57-46. The Hawks 46 points were the second-fewest scored this season.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Hawk defense again made their presence known. The group tallied 11 steals en route to forcing 21 Spartan turnovers on the night, the most for Norfolk State this season.
57 points represents the third-lowest output for the Norfolk State offense this year, with the Spartans only scoring fewer points in their road games against top-10 foes Houston and UCLA.
Ahamadou Fofana led the Hawk defense with four steals on the night, tying his highest in a game this season.
Troy Hupstead notched his third double-digit scoring effort as a Hawk, scoring 10 points and securing four rebounds. Nathaniel Pollard Jr. and Kevon Voyles each brought down five boards.
"This game is about us," head coach Jason Crafton said. "We need to maintain the defense that's made us elite in that area while executing at a higher level on offense."
"It's conference play and we need to recognize the difference immediately."
Scouting the Bison
Howard claimed a victory in their first MEAC action of the season, knocking off Delaware State in the nation's capital on Saturday, 84-64.
Sophomore guard Marcus Dockery headlined the Bison in the game, scoring a game-high 19 points and sinking five threes in the win. Howard won the rebounding battle by committee, with 10 different Bison grabbing multiple off the glass.
Fellow sophomore Elijah Hawkins has led the Howard offense at 12.8 points per game. Redshirt junior forward Steve Settle III ranks second averaging 11.5 points while leading the group in rebounding (6.4 per game).
Freshman forward Shy Odom has been a young bright spot for Howard this year. The young big averages around nine points and three rebounds for the Bison and has been named the MEAC Rookie of the Week four times this season.
The duel between the teams will come after the women's game at 5:30 p.m.
