Howard Goes Back-to-Back in the MEAC Tourney Against a Game Hornets Squad

Howard Jordan Hairston (23) celebrates a three-point make in the first half against Delaware State in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament in Norfolk, Virginia on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Billy Schuerman - member, ASSOCIATED PRESS

By Wole Akinso

(@Wole_USS)

Norfolk, VA— The Howard Bison return to the NCAA Tournament with a win over a game Delaware State Hornets squad in the MEAC men’s basketball tournament final, 70-67.

The Bison (18-16) jumped on the Hornets fast with great three-point shooting, going 8 of 17 from the three-point line in the first half.  Howard controlled most of the first half, reaching a 10-point lead at the 13:54 mark.

One of the key players in the first half and throughout the game was the MEAC’s “Most Outstanding Performing in the Tournament”, Howard guard Jordan Hairston, who scored 18 points.  In the first half alone, Hairston had 14 points and shot 4 of 6 from the three-point line.  He also had the task on guarding Hornets’ point guard Deywilk Tavarez in the Bison’s box and one defense.  The freshman guard Tavarez averaged 24.5 points per game in his last two tournament games.  Hairston held Tavarez to only eight points— shooting 16.7 percent from the field.  Hairston talked about guarding the Hornets’ point guard after the game.

“For them they have really good guards and for a freshman guard to do what he’s done throughout this whole year, it was a major emphasis to at least try to shut him down or slow him down because he’s a great player.”

Howard built a 40-34-point lead going into halftime.  The Bison had all the momentum but just like all tournament long, Delaware State fought back and captured the imagination of the Norfolk Scope crowd and Delaware State alumni to start the second half. 

The Hornets (15-18)  went on an 8-2 run to take a 42-41 lead early in the second half.  Delaware State guard Jevin Muniz made big three-point shots during that stretch, especially a big pullup three-pointer at the 11:45 mark to give the Hornets a 53-49 lead.  Muniz finished the game with a game-high of 24 points.  Muniz wasn’t the only Delaware State player stepping up.  

 
Hornets guard Martaz Robinson hyperextended his knee injury Friday night against North Carolina Central and there were concerns that he wouldn’t play in the MEAC tournament finals.  Wearing a knee brace, the Hornets’ regular season leading scorer toughed it out, and inspired his teammates and coaches today.  Robinson scored the first four points for the Hornets in the first half and a big basket in the second half to stretch the Hornets lead over the Bison to six (55-49).  This was the biggest lead of the game for the Hornets.  The Hornets’ fans at the Norfolk Scope area were excited to see Robinson on the court and playing well.  He talked about how his knee felt at the MEAC post-game press conference.

“I’m good.  I’m just here for the team, and the guys.”

In the second half Howard went 0 of 8 from three.  Delaware State Coach Stan Waterman was proud of his team’s fight in the second half.

“I’m really proud of this team; their effort in the game today, particularly in the second half.” 

Dealing with being punched in the mouth in second half,  Howard showed the heart of a champion and made winning plays down the stretch. 

After the Hornets took their six-point lead (55-49), Howard answered that with a 7-1 run.  The Bison went to their emotional leader and forward Bryce Harris down the stretch.  Harris scored seven points after the Hornets took their six-point to lead.  Harris’ physical offensive work down the stretch was a problem for Delaware State.  Howard Coach Kenneth Blakeney prepared his team and especially Harris to go beat their man one on one by playing one-on-one in practice.  Harris talked about the trust that Coach Blakeney has in him, and he used that in the second half.

“Honestly it really came down to coach believing in me.  I feel like, that’s one thing that you can ask for as a basketball player.  My thing was to come in and (coach Blakeney) was telling me all week don’t settle. My thing was taking that mentality and being relentless as an offensive player.”

Harris finished the game with 16 points and seven rebounds.   Harris and his teammates showed a championship mindset, but Delaware State remained relentless. 

The Hornets fought to the end.   They had an opportunity to cut Howard’s 70-66 lead to one point with 2.0 seconds left in game when Howard forward Elijah Williams fouled Tavarez on a three-point shot.   With pressure on the line, the freshman guard made his first free-throw shot but missed the second free throw attempt.  He intentionally missed the third free throw on purpose, hoping for a rebound but it didn’t hit the rim which resulted in a shooting violation.  Tavarez’s teammates consoled him and gave him a big hug on the bench as the game ended. 

The Howard Bison are back-to-back MEAC Tournament champions and they have punched their bid to the NCAA Tournament.  Howard coach Blakeney was very proud of this team’s grind.

“We never talked about defending (the championship), we talked about pursuing. I’m just so proud of these guys and their character and their work ethic.”

The Bison will be waiting to hear who and where they play in NCAA Tournament.  The NCAA Tournament selection show is Sunday at 6pm ET on CBS.