The Howard Bison stand on business in title game rematch

The Howard Bison defeated the Norfolk State Spartans in the semifinals of the MEAC tournament moving one step closer to back-to-back NCAA tournament bids

Howard men's basketball player  Marcus Dockery (0) dribbling against NorfolState's Jamarii Thomas (6). Photo Credit: QbanCigar Photography

 

 

By Ray Rogers

Norfolk, VA - Marcus Dockery scored 19 points including 5/6 on three-pointers to lead Howard to an 80 - 74 victory over Norfolk State on Friday night at the Norfolk Scope arena. The win marks the second consecutive year the Bison eliminated the Spartans from postseason play. 

“This is MEAC basketball at its finest”. Shoutout to Yardtalkhbcu for the dope quote which symbolizes the magnitude of this game. For boxing fans like myself, Friday night’s semifinals featured two heavyweights in midmajor/HBCU basketball. However, the final result did not come down to the scorecards as Howard delivered the late knockout blow. 

Bryce Harris’ right eye was bandaged and Seth Towns fouled out with 9:05 left in regulation. Flagrant fouls, techs, and back-and-forth banter left a raucous crowd on the edge of their seats at the Norfolk Scope arena.  

From the outset, the Bison and Spartans found success driving to the basket. Norfolk State was first to begin raising the energy level defensively, leading to a Seth Towns offensive foul as both teams traded verbal jabs. 

Norfolk State looked to be outplaying the Bison and maintained a slight edge throughout the first half. However, timely Marcus Dockery three-pointers kept the Bison in striking distance. For the half both teams shot the ball efficiently with the Spartans connecting on 50% of their attempts and the Bison 45.8%.

Norfolk State maintained a lead throughout the first half and at one point were ahead by 7 points with 4:23 remaining in the half. Norfolk entered the locker room leading 37 - 31.

Bison pull away late

Norfolk State scored the first basket of the second half then forced a turnover looking to set the tone and reestablish momentum as there was a feeling that they did not want to let the Bison hang around. One fan could be heard yelling “We can’t let them hang around”. 

 

This night was reminiscent of last year’s tournament title game when then-starting forward Kris Bankston got into foul trouble. On Friday, Spartans forward Tyrel Bladen picked up his third at the 16:48 mark, and losing his size and athleticism appeared to hurt Norfolk State who was outrebounded for the game 30 - 19. 

Howard remained behind for a significant portion of the second half but kept the game close until two Bryce Harris free throws put the Bison ahead 61 - 59 with 4:15 remaining in regulation. The free throws sparked a 13 - 5 run that placed the game out of reach. 

Following the victory, Howard Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney talked about the magnitude of this win in a season where the team has had so many players lost to injury including graduate guard Jelani Williams and star Sophomore Shy Odom.

“The resiliency of our guys has been unbelievable all year”

The Bison are set to face the Delaware State Hornets at 1 pm EST on Saturday for a chance to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament for the second straight year.