Howard Eager To Start MEAC Play Against Coppin State
Baltimore, MD--Howard University and Coppin State will be looking to snap losing streaks and make a statement when they meet at 4 pm tomorrow at the Physical Activities Center on the campus of Coppin State.
The Bison (3-12 overall, 0-1 in the MEAC) are currently on a four-game skid after losing to Boston University 71-44 in the consolation round of the UCF Holiday Classic on December 29. Howard has had a grueling non-conference schedule that includes game at Iowa, at Wichita State, in Cancun, Mexico, at Pittsburgh, at Oregon State and at Rutgers during a six-week span.
It showed in the loss to the Terriers as the Bison had problems scoring. The woes were compounded by the lack of a bench, something that has plagued the team in second half all season.
Howard dropped its conference opener, 55-50 to bitter rival Hampton University on December 1 in Hampton, VA and will be looking to use the tough road schedule as a catalyst for the conference schedule.
The Bison will again rely on the scoring of senior forward Mike Phillips and red-shier senior guard Calvin Thompson. Phillips is having his best season and leads the team in scoring and rebounding while Thompson is the second leading scorer.
The Bison have been getting contributions of late from sophomore guard Simuel Frazier and sophomore forward Prince Okoroh. Red-shirt sophomore center Theodore Boyomo has played well of late, especially on the boards while junior center Alphonso Leary has also been effective when he is not in foul trouble. Senior guard Anton Dickerson has provided scoring off the bench and senior guard Tre Lee has contributed as a reserve as well.
The Eagles (3-12, 0-0) are also in the throes of a losing streak, having dropped three in a row, most recently, a loss at Akron on Wednesday. Like the Bison, Coppin State has also played a challenging schedule and is ready to open MEAC play at home.
The two teams split last year, each winning on the home team's court.
