Howard vs. Delaware State: Preview, prediction and TV Schedule

The Howard University Bison look to rebound from a tough road trip in North Carolina that resulted in back to back losses against North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central.

Game Info

Location: Burr Gymnasium (Washington, D.C.)

Date: February 24th 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

How have the Bison been playing as of late?

The Real HU did not perform well on the road against conference-leading, North Carolina A&T, and North Carolina Central. Coming off of back to back double digit losses, Howard will look to return to its early 2018 form, which led them to five straight wins, including a win against MEAC leading, North Carolina A&T.

How have the Hornets been playing as of late?

The 2017-2018 campaign has been tough for the Hornets to say the least. Losing twelve of thirteen MEAC contests, while scoring a conference-low 63 points per game, the Hornets have been anything, but impressive. However, the Hornets took a step in the right direction Monday night with a win over conference foe, Coppin State.

The eighteen point win snapped a twenty-one game losing streak and marked the team’s first win against a Division 1 opponent this year. While it’s unlikely that the Hornets shortcomings will not appear Saturday afternoon in Burr Gymnasium, it is a nice moment to take into the nation’s capital.

Key Matchup

After missing three games, Simon Okolue has come back and played fairly well. Averaging ten points and six rebounds, the Junior College walk-on looks to be regaining the form he displayed against Savannah State when put up eighteen points and eight rebounds. He will be tested Saturday night when he goes up against freshman forward, Zion Cousins, who is also coming off of a layoff.

Cousins returned to action Monday night when he put up a modest four-point, three rebound performance. While this isn’t a matchup of players of the week, look for this battle down low to dictate the rebound differential for the game.

Key Player to Watch

It would be shocking if R.J. Cole returned to the Mecca next season considering the success he’s had as a freshman point guard for the Bison. As a true freshman, the New Jersey native has averaged 24 points, six assists and four rebounds per game. In this most recent stretch, Cole has stepped up his game another level, scoring 30 points against Morgan State and 27 points against Hampton.

Next: History will be made from the mid-majors

Playing against one of the worst defenses in the MEAC, look for Cole to go off against Delaware State.

Prediction: Howard, 73 – Hornets, 63