PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore will be looking to halt a three-game losing streak at Howard University on Monday (Feb. 13) as the Bison will be aiming for a fifth straight victory.

The Hawks (5-16, 1-6 MEAC) put in a supreme effort on Saturday at home against Norfolk State, but the Spartans escaped the William P. Hytche Center with a 53-51 victory to hold on to second place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings.

The Bison (10-11, 6-2) are tied with Nofolk in MEAC record, but the Spartans hold a head-to-head victory in the only meeting of the two squads so far this season.

Howard's strong play of late has been helped by the return of senior forward Krislyn Marsh. She has played in each of the last four games after missing time with injury and she contributed five points, a game-high six rebounds, and two steals in the team's win against Delaware State on Saturday.

The Bison came to Princess Anne for the second game of conference play and took home a 56-47 victory in a game where the Hawks shot 28 % from the field and did not make a three-point basket.

While the defense and effort has been there for the Hawks this season, it's been execution and finding a way to make shots that has been a problem. Outside shooting — currently 20% — has been a problem for the whole season, but it is the inconsistency from the line that has frustrated head coach Fred Batchelor the most.

The Hawks missed 17 free throws in the two-point loss to the Spartans, have shot better than 70% at the line in just nine games this season and are shooting 67% for the year.

"I told them before the Norfolk game when we were shooting free throws that I don't care if they don't make the threes," Batchelor said. "We have to make our free throws. We have to."

Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m. at Burr Gymnasium. Following the road game, the Hawks will next host South Carolina State on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m.