Eight Straight For Howard University Women's Basketball, Mount Saint Mary's Falls 67-55

EMMITSBURG, Maryland  -  The Howard Women's basketball team (9-5) outrebounded Mount St. Mary's by 14 (41-27) to pull away with a 67-55 victory at Knott Arena for the first game of the new year.

Saadia Doyle paced HU, recording her seventh double-double of the season, finishing with a game high of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Tamoria Holmes tallied 16 points and three assist while Cheyenne Curley-Payne chipped in with nine assists, and four steals 12 points – all from the charity stripe. Zykia Brown added ten points, and Nicole Deterville grabbed a game-best and season-high of 12 boards.

SAADIA DOYLE
5-11 R-JUNIOR FORWARD
COLUMBIA H.S.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Howard quickly opened up the first half gaining a 4-0 lead by forcing three turnovers in just under three minutes of action. The Mount's Ashley Christie responded by knocking down a three-pointer to put her team on the scoreboard. However, that did not stop HU as it continued to push the lead to eight points from a traditional three-point play by Holmes at the 10:15 mark. From there, both teams attacked the basket. With 5:53 left in the first period, Mount Saint Mary's scored the next few baskets, placing the score at 18-15. Howard responded with a 9-3 run spreading the margin to nine, 27-18. To close the first twenty minutes of action, the Bison led by eight, 29-21.

To jump into the second half, Curley-Payne stole the ball and dished out an assist to Holmes for a lay-up 16 seconds in. Howard proceeded to extend the lead to 12, 33-21, by the 18:39 mark. The Bison's lead was halted from a three-ball by Kayla Grossett. HU then answered with a bucket by Doyle with 17:53 left in the contest.

By the 14:46 mark, the Mount closed the gap to one, 35-34. Mount St. Mary's knotted the score at 35 from a foul shot by Grossett, then took its first advantage of the match with the second free-throw, 36-35.

At 13:07, Howard tied and recaptured the lead (37-36) from a pair at the stripe by Doyle.

From there, HU held its ground and slid away with its eighth consecutive win.

JULEE' O' NEAL
6-2 JUNIOR CENTER
HILLSIDE HS
DURHAM, NC



The Mountaineers were led by Grossett who finished with 14 points in 22 minutes of action. Christie contributed 12 points, while Sydney Henderson added 10.



Howard will return home to close out its non-conference slate with NJIT on Jan 5. Game-time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

FINAL STATS

Written by Julee' O'Neal, W. Basketball, Broadcast Journalism '13

Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Director of Sports Information

VISIT: HOWARD-BISON

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Howard University Women's Basketball Rolls to Seventh-Straight Victory; defeat Fairleigh Dickinson Knights

ZYKIA BROWN
5-8 GUARD, SENIOR
PARKDALE HIGH SCHOOL
RIVERDALE, MARYLAND

HACKENSACK, New Jersey -- The Howard Women’s basketball team pulled out another win to defeat Fairleigh Dickinson by 10, 66-56 on Dec 30 at Stratis Arena. HU finished the month of December with a perfect 7-0 record and improved its overall mark to 8-5 heading into the New Year.

The Bison started the contest a little rattled as FDU opened with a 10-4 run. The run was ended with a three pointer by Kara Smith at the 12:30 mark. From there, HU found momentum as Smith hit another shot behind the arc to put the Bison down by one, 10-9. Howard picked up its intensity and forced the Knights into a turnover. Following the turnover, Smith drowned a jumper which gave the Bison their first advantage of the half.

The lead changed as Desiree Crawford scored a layup to give FDU the lead back. Howard did not back down as Zykia Brown drained a three-pointer to make it 14-12 at the 7:37 mark.

By the 2:19 mark, Howard led by 11 (23-12) over the Knights. Both teams scored back to back buckets to finish the last two minutes of the first half strong. HU went into the lockerroom ahead 30-18.


TAMORIA HOLMES
5-6 GUARD, JUNIOR
HILLSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

 Halftime notes: Smith led the Bison at the half with 12 points by shooting 5-7 from the field. Howard controlled the glass leading with 20 to FDU’s 12. The Knights forced HU into nine turnovers and scored eight points from their miscues. FDU shot 1-8 (12 percent) from behind the arc and 7-25 (28 percent) from the field.

To open up the last 20 minutes of play, Howard scored a three-pointer and a pair of free throws to spread the led to 19 by the 17:04 mark. Danielle Pankey gave FDU a spark as she knocked down a basket behind the arc decreasing HU’s lead to 16 in just 16 seconds. By the 13:50 mark, Howard pushed its lead to 21 points, 48-27.

Both teams swapped baskets until the 10:26 mark as FDU went on a 10-0 run to close the lead to just six points, 52-46, with just 7:36 left in the ball game. Howard found some energy after a three-point basket which ended the Knights run at the 6:09 mark. Howard held on to defeat Fairleigh Dickinson 66-56.

For the Bison, Brown led the game with a season-high of 19 points on shooting 8-11 from the field and 3-5 from behind the arc. Tamoria Holmes contributed 14 points, eight rebounds and four assist. Smith chipped in with a season-high of 12 points in 20 minutes of action. Nicole Deterville grabbed a game-high of nine boards to finish the match. FDU kept Saadia Doyle under double-digit scoring as she chipped in with seven points.

Mariyah Laury led FDU in scoring, finishing with 14 points in 33 minutes of play.

Howard will tip off the New Year at Mount St. Mary’s on Jan 3. The contest will begin at 7 p.m.

GAME STATS

Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Director of Sports Information

VISIT: HOWARD-BISON 

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Howard Basketball Coach Takes a Stand Against Bullying

Kevin Nickelberry
Head Coach Men's Basketball
Howard University Bison

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Howard University Men’s Basketball Coach Kevin Nickelberry shared his personal account of the impact of bullying to a gymnasium full of elementary school students at Cleveland Elementary School’s “Bullying Awareness Week” last month.

“Dream big and don’t let bullying stop you from achieving your dreams,” said Nickelberry.

Pamela Parker, the physical education director at Cleveland Elementary, invited Nickelberry to share his experiences with bullying and to provide an interactive dialogue with the students. The goal was to teach ways to prevent bullying. His approach went beyond a spirited lecture.

Coach Nickelberry shared his own story of being bullied throughout his adolescent years in school. He explained how he was teased because he had dreams of playing on a basketball team, but was shorter than average basketball players. He said his peers teased him so badly that he would sometimes avoid attending school.

“Some days, I would fake being sick so I could stay home and not face being bullied,” said Nickelberry. “It was a horrible way to spend my years in school. And that’s why I’m here sharing my story with you all today —hoping to inspire you all not to be a bully; and if you are one, to stop being one.”

Coach Nickelberry, a native of Washington, D.C., was rated among the Top 25 “Up-and-Coming” college basketball coaches by The Sporting News and Hoopscooponline.com in 2008. He graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University. He began his coaching career as the head women’s basketball coach at Columbia Union College in 1991 and moved to Howard University for four seasons, from 1994-1998.

Coach Nickelberry was named head coach of the Howard University men’s basketball program in May 2010. He has coached basketball at various schools in the country and internationally for more than 22 years. He has also traveled the nation to speak to thousands of students about bullying and bullying prevention as part of his “No Bullying Campaign.”

ABOUT HOWARD

Howard University is a private research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Founded in 1867, students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, a Marshall Scholar, 24 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information, visit www.howard.edu

Howard University upsets Wake Forest in OT

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- (12/18/2011) -- The Howard women’s basketball team upset Wake Forest 63-59 in Winston Salem, N.C. This marks the third time in Howard Women’s basketball history that the Lady Bison have defeated an Atlantic-Coast Conference opponent. Previously, HU women’s basketball knocked off Maryland and N.C. State under legendary MEAC Hall of Fame coach Sandra Tyler.

“Anytime you can make history and follow in the foot-steps of a hall of famer, feels great,” says fourth-year head coach Niki G. “It is great for the team and the program.”


Saadia Doyle, 5-11 R-Junior Forward
 Atlanta, Georgia (Columbia H.S.)

With the victory, Howard (5-5, 2-0 MEAC) improves its win streak to four, while Wake Forest drops to 7-3 on the season.

Saadia Doyle finished with a season-best, 28 points – shooting 10-19 from the field, and 8-9 from the charity stripe. Tamoria Holmes tallied 14 points and seven boards. Cheyenne Curley-Payne chipped in with 10 points, five rebounds, and six steals.

In the second period, the Demon-Deacons threw the first blow pushing the lead to as many as 21 points (46-25) with just under 15 minutes to play. Ignited by a Doyle fast break layup, HU rattled off 15 straight points over a nine-plus span to cut the margin to 46-40 by the 6:13 mark. Sandra Garcia ended the Wake Forest drought with a basket. From there, both teams went toe-to-toe playing to a 52-52 knot by the end of regulation.

To tip-off the extra five-minutes, the Demon-Deacons earned a free-throw from the charity stripe. HU brushed passed Wake Forest and dominated the period by outscoring them 11-7 to a final of 63-59, however.

“Tamoria and Saadia played well,” commented Coach G. “Saadia came up with key back-to-back baskets which gave us the tie to go into overtime. Once overtime began I knew we had the momentum. We gave great defensive effort, especially by holding their leading scorer, Chelsea Douglas, to one point.”

The Deacs were led by Garcia, who finished with a team-high 18 points and 10 rebounds. Secily Ray contributed 10 points and nine boards.

Game notes: Wake Forest leading scorer Chelsea Douglas came into the game averaging 14 points, but was held to just one point on the night. HU scored 20 points from the Demon-Deacons’ 27 turnovers. The Lady Bison found much success from the free-throw line, shooting 21-23 (91 percent) for the game. Wake Forest dominated the glass, 53-38, and outscored Howard in the paint, 40-16.

NEXT GAME: The Lady Bison are back in action on Tues. Dec. 20 at home against Buffalo beginning at 7 p.m.

BOX SCORE

PHOTO GALLERY

By  Jamilah Corbett, Assistant Director of Sports Information
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARD-BISON

Big Apple Classic: Hampton Pirates Uses Its Experience To Defeat Howard Bison

New York, NY — Hampton University used its decided edge in experience to pull away to a 71-53 win over Howard University in the Big Apple Classic at Madison Square Garden.

The Pirates (4-4 overall, 1-1 in the MEAC), who are the defending MEAC tournament champions, start four seniors and have reserves who are game tested and it showed against the young Bison, who have nine new players on the roster, including seven freshmen.

After Howard (2-5 overall, 0-1 in the MEAC) opened the second half with a 17-5 run to erase a 13-point halftime deficit and get to within one at 41-40, the Pirates calmly responded with a run of their own to take a 54-40 lead midway through the second half. The run was led by seniors Darrion Pellum and Christopher Tolson, who combined for 17 second half points.

"It was a game of runs and they happened to make more runs than we did," said Howard second year head coach Kevin Nickelberry. "We started five freshmen in the second half and they helped us get back into the game with their energy. But their coaching staff did a good job of making some adjustments after that by going small and it gave us some problems matching up with them."

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Howard defeats Hampton 10-7, its first win since 1995 in battle of the 'Real HU'

HAMPTON, Virginia — Gary Harrell insisted his Howard Bison don't get caught up in any "Real HU" rivalry with Hampton. The sight of his players bathing Harrell in three Gatorade showers as their coach gestured triumphantly toward Howard fans after his team's 10-7 victory Saturday at Armstrong Stadium suggested otherwise.

Of course, Hampton's supporters probably aren't familiar with a typical Howard celebration, since it's been so long since they've witnessed one. The Pirates came in having won 14 straight in the series, with Howard's last victory coming in 1995. But on this chilly, blustery afternoon, that streak died — along with Hampton's dreams of claiming a share of the MEAC title.

At least that was the opinion of Hampton coach Donovan Rose, who didn't need to wait for the results of games involving conference leaders Norfolk State and Morgan State to offer what amounted to a concession speech.

"That's over now," a solemn Rose said of the Pirates' title chances. "All we can do now, hopefully, is having a winning season."

Despite subpar offense all afternoon, the Pirates (5-4, 3-3 MEAC) positioned themselves to steal this one late in the third quarter when, trailing by three, they had first-and-goal at the Howard 2-yard line.

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Pirates lose the battle of the "Real HU"

HAMPTON, Virginia - For the first time since 1995, Howard claimed the Battle of the Real HU in a series that had become a one-sided battle for the past 15 years. After the dust had cleared, Howard left Armstrong Stadium on Saturday with a 10-7 win over Hampton.

Hampton (5-4, 4-3 MEAC) seemed like it was out of sync the entire first half, as the Pirates were unable to get on the scoreboard. As for Howard (5-5, 4-3 MEAC), the Bison were able to get in the red zone, but couldn’t convert as the Pirates defense forced a turnover and prevented the Bison from scoring. Hampton’s defense held the Bison out of end zone on two different occasions and forced Howard to attempt a field goal on both. The Pirates defense also forced a fumble in the end zone late in the game, which became the only score of the day for Hampton.

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Big Apple Classic 2011, Howard vs. Hampton; Virginia Union vs. Virginia State at Madison Square Garden - New York

Howard wins its homecoming game; A&T Aggies one yard short

Washington, D.C. -- Howard’s defense stopped North Carolina A&T quarterback Lewis Kindle a yard short of the end zone in overtime to give the Bison a 35-28 victory Saturday, only their second win in their last six homecoming games.

After the Bison (4-4, 3-2 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) scored on Terrence Leffall’s three-yard run on the first possession of overtime, the Aggies (4-3, 3-1) picked up a couple of first downs to reach the Howard 3-yard line.

Two incompletions and a one-yard loss on a Mike Mayhew run left them with a fourth and four, and Kindle was stopped by defensive end Sackie Kerkulah after a three-yard gain.

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Aggies fall 1 yard short in overtime

WASHINGTON -- Lewis Kindle knelt on the 1-yard line Saturday afternoon, as a few Howard defenders and some fans danced in the end zone. Minutes earlier, the N.C. A&T quarterback had been stopped short on a fourth-and-goal run and Howard escaped with a 35-28 overtime win on homecoming.

"We had a pass play called and they had it covered pretty well," Kindle said. "I thought I could get in." He couldn't. And the Aggies (4-3, 3-1 MEAC) couldn't match Terrance Leffall's 3-yard TD run in overtime that won it for Howard (4-4, 3-2).

"A&T made a big play on third down," Bison coach Gary Harrell said, "and had four downs to get in."
But Howard's defense forced an incomplete pass on third down at the 3, and then Kindle was stopped 1 yard short on fourth down.



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North Carolina A&T Aggies, Howard Bison Renew Rivalry in D.C.

Greensboro, North Carolina -- Over the last six seasons, Howard and North Carolina A&T have stumbled to the bottom of the MEAC standings. Howard has not had a winning season since 2004 and the Aggies last winning season occurred in 2003. Over the previous six seasons, the two teams have combined to go 29-104.

In the same time frame, S.C. State is 52-18. But the trends are changing for both schools.

The Aggies and the Bison were picked to finish 9th and 11th respectively in the conference during the preseason, but the Aggies are 3-0 in the MEAC and the Bison is 2-2 with a win over MEAC co-champion Florida A&M. Perhaps the reasons behind the turnarounds are the two first-year head coaches. Rod Broadway is in his first season as the Aggies head coach, while Gary Harrell took over it is alma mater.

The Polls

As the wins continue to pour in, North Carolina A&T is starting to be recognized nationally. In this week's Sports Network Top 25 Poll, the Aggies received four votes. The Aggies entered the Sheridan Broadcasting Network Poll for the first time in seven years this week as the No. 9 team. The SBN Poll traditionally determines who the Black College National Champion is. The Aggies last won the title in 1999.

Aggie Game Notesv.Howard

2011 SBN Poll Previous Week
Team Record Pts.
1. Alabama State 6-1 259
2. Norfolk State 6-1 246
3. S.C. State 4-3 178
4. Jackson State 6-1 145
5. WSSU 7-0 121
6. Bethune-Cookman3-3 97
7. Albany State 4-2 82
8. Alabama A&M 4-2 56
9. N.C. A&T 4-2 51
10. Hampton 3-3 39

Others receiving votes: Stillman 34, Florida A&M 28, Morehouse 23, Elizabeth City State 19, Morgan State 15.

Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information

VISIT: NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: NCATAGGIES

Georgetown defeats Howard, 21-3, to win Mayor’s Cup

Washington, D.C. -- For most of Saturday’s matchup between Howard and Georgetown, the District’s two Football Championship Subdivision teams, neither the Bison nor Hoyas generated much offense. Too many off-target passes, false-start penalties and missed field goals made for short stints for the offenses and little rest for the defenses.

But heading into the fourth quarter of the third Mayor’s Cup game, Howard’s defense began to wear down and Georgetown capitalized. The Hoyas scored two touchdowns in the final 10 minutes to win, 21-3, at Greene Stadium.

The victory capped a successful five-game stretch of away games for the Hoyas (5-2), who have won more games this season than in any of Coach Kevin Kelly’s six seasons at Georgetown.



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Norfolk State Volleyball vs. Howard Lady Bison -- Highlights

LADY BISON CAPTURE FIRST CONFERENCE GAME

NORFOLK, Virginia  – The Howard University Lady Bison (2-17, 1-2 MEAC) defeated fourth-place, Norfolk State (5-10, 1-2 MEAC) in five sets on Sunday night.

"This was a great win for us," said head coach Dawn Barnes. "It was a group effort and well deserved. Norfolk State did a great job offensively and defensively and did not make this easy at all. You had two teams that really played hard."

Howard started the game with a 25-21 victory in set one. Sets two and three were tough for the Lady Bison coming up short 21-25 and 24-26. The Spartans put up a tough crowd and technique, but the Lady Bison put up some solid points that gained momentum. Assistant Coach Russ held down the strategy for the Lady Bison. "We watched film and studied these girls, technically we were ready, all we had to do was go out there and shut them down," says Russ.



The Lady Bison highlighted on the Spartans' weaknesses and it showed in the match taking sets four and five 26-24 and 15-12 to win the match. Freshman Stephanie Shultis had a major solo block to win the fourth set making it harder for the Spartans to capture the Lady Bison.

Set five was rolling for Howard as they kept the ball away from the Spartans the first six points. The Spartans showed signs of aggression as they tried to make a come back, but HU held on strong to their lead finishing the match with a win. Spartan fans left empty handed as the Lady Bison cheered and showed school spirit.

Outside hitter Tosin Elebute finished with a game high of 25 kills and 16 digs charting a double-double. Freshman, middle blocker Assata Conway put down seven balls for the Lady Bison. Heather Long had a game high of five kills hitting a perfect game. Both setters, Jasmine King and Stephanie Shultis had 21 assists a piece. Riana Cain picked up 20 balls.

Defensively, both teams had 66 digs, but the Spartans out blocked the Lady bison 13 to 9. On the other hand, the Lady Bison finished with better hitting percentages after each set than the Spartans. "I knew [Norfolk State] were all waiting to block me, but I wasn't having it," says Elebute, "I was going to play my game for my team because I realize I play a major role."

For NSU, Charlotte Armstead put down 17 balls. Adriana Ramos had 11 kills and 14 digs finishing with a double-double. Beatriz Ferreira had 12 kills followed by Jasmine Frazier with ten kills. Setter Kristen Burt finished with 44 assists.

The Lady Bison split the weekend and will look to carry the momentum as they head to face Coppin State on Fri. Oct. 14.

By Jasmine King, Volleyball, Public Relations 2013
VISIT: HOWARDBISON
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

FAMU lets huge lead slip away in the final minutes

Tallahassee, Florida - Not even Joe Taylor has seen anything like it in his more than 30 years of coaching. The 23,400 fans who showed up at Bragg Stadium sure weren't expecting it after Florida A&M had taken a three-touchdown lead on Howard University.

In stunning fashion, though, the Bison came back in the final 4 minutes and 26 seconds to pull out a dramatic 29-28 victory Saturday to hand Taylor his second homecoming loss as head coach at FAMU.

Howard converted two FAMU fumbles and the Rattlers could do nothing right in the meantime to avoid squandering it's the biggest lead it had taken on any opponent so far this season.

By the time the Bison lined up to kick the winning field goal ...

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HOWARD SCORES 29 FOURTH QUARTER POINTS IN WIN OVER FAMU

Tallahassee, FL -- Howard University erupted for 29 fourth quarter points--- including 15 in the last 1:23 to stun Florida A&M, 29-28 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference before a near capacity homecoming crowd at Bragg Stadium.

After trailing 21-0 at the half, the Bison (3-3 overall, 2-2 in the MEAC) rallied to cut the deficit to 21-13 with 10:23 left in the fourth quarter. The Rattlers (3-3 overall, 1-2 in the MEAC), who had won seven straight from the Bison, appeared to dash their comeback hopes when they capitalized on one of the Bison’s special team miscues and turned it into a 28-13 advantage with 8:23 remaining.

But the Bison had other ideas. Freshman quarterback Greg McGhee, who threw three interceptions, engineered a five-play, 71-yard drive that was capped off by a 10-yard scoring pass to Brandon Drayton. The Bison missed the PAT and trailed, 28-19 with just 1:27 left on the clock.

The Bison executed a well-designed onside kick on the ensuing kickoff that was recovered by Theodore Graham, IV. It took the Bison five plays to go 45 yards as Andra Williams capped off the drive with a one-yard burst to narrow the gap to 28-26 with 26 ticks on the clock.

Howard attempted another onside kick, but this time the Rattlers were ready and recovered.

FAMU appeared poised to run out the clock, but Howard’s Corey Berry forced a Damien Fleming fumble that was recovered by Sackie Kerkulah at the Florida A&M 15.

In an attempt to position itself for a game-winning field, Howard ran Williams on first down and took the ball down to the FAMU 8-yard line.

That is when things really got interesting. With four seconds on the clock, the Bison lined up for what would be the potential game-winning field goal. Sophomore kicker Parker Munoz lined up and booted a 25-yard field goal that was signaled good by one official. But the Rattlers had called a timeout in an attempt to freeze Munoz.

The problem was that FAMU had already exhausted its allotment of timeouts.

After a brief discussion, the officials ruled that there would be a penalty on FAMU. They marked if off half the distance to the goal at the FAMU four-yard line, thus setting the stage for what would prove to the game-winning, 21-yards field goal by Munoz, the first game winner in his career.

“This team is growing up,” said Howard first year head coach Gary Harrell. “To be down like that and come back and win shows the character of this team. Mishaps are a part of football but what I am most proud of is that they never gave up.”

Much of the credit has to go to the staunch Bison defense, which continues to improve each week under defensive coordinator Ray Petty. After allowing drives of 80 yards and 72 yards in the first half, Howard limited the Rattlers to 21 yards total offense the second half.

The Bison forced three fumbles and picked up an interception to go along with 12 tackles for losses and three sacks. Senior defensive end Sackie Kerkulah, who is playing as well as anyone in the FCS, added two more tackles for losses to his total of 11.5 and two sacks to up his total to 7.5, ranking him among the nation’s leaders.

He received a lot of help from teammates Keith Pough (5 tackles, two for losses and a forced fumble), DeCarlos Knight (six tackles, a tackle for a loss, a fumble recovery), Kurt Mangum, II (4 tackles, 2 for losses), Julien David (8 tackles) and Cameron Alston (4 tackles, an interception).

Offensively, red-shirt sophomore running back Andra Williams and freshman Aquanius Freeman picked up the slack with the running game when leading rusher Terrance Leffall left the game with a concussion. Williams led all rushers with 76 yards on 11 carries and a TD. He also grabbed three passes for 37 yards.

Freeman, who has begun to come own, carried the ball nine times for 28 yards. Freshman quarterback Greg McGhee completed 20 of 47 passes for 233 yards and two TDs. He was picked off three times and and sacked three times, but he made the plays when the Bison needed them.

“Everyone played their role,” said Coach Harrell. “Coach Petty (defensive coordinator) and Ted White (offensive coordinator) made some great adjustments at halftime. And the players responded with a courageous effort.”

By Howard University Sports Information
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Howard Bison ends Savannah State University's celebration

Savannah, Georgia - A festive weekend for athletics on campus at Savannah State University ended on a sour note Saturday night at T.A. Wright Stadium. A crowd of 5,635 was treated to the amenities of the newly renovated stadium, but didn’t have much else to cheer about in a 34-14 loss to Howard, the first SSU football game on campus in nearly two years.

“We wanted to come out and please the fans. We didn’t get the job done,” said Tigers wide receiver Darren Hunter as fireworks were shot off after the game.



It was Savannah State’s first loss in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play and the Bison’s first win in league play since defeating Norfolk State 17-10 on Oct. 27, 2007. Howard (2-3, 1-1 MEAC) snapped a 29-game conference losing streak.

View Spotted® photos of the game

It ruined the party for the Tigers, who held a stadium dedication celebration on Thursday and their athletic hall of fame induction ceremony on Friday night. The school’s most famous alum, Shannon Sharpe, was in town for some of the festivities and gave the team a pre-game speech.

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SSU followers show support during stadium dedication

Howard (1-3, 0-2 MEAC) at Savannah State (1-3, 1-0 MEAC)
Where: T.A. Wright Stadium, Savannah
When: Saturday at 7 p.m.
TV/radio: No TV/WHCJ 90.3 FM



Savannah, Georgia - Orange and blue balloons decorated the gate leading to the playing surface of Savannah State’s T. A. Wright Stadium. Bands serenaded, dignitaries bowed, cheerleaders cheered and a crowd of 500 on a sunny Thursday afternoon displayed the unity student government association vice president Jesse Fenton suggested when he said: “one mission, one vision, one Savannah State.”

It was a day to show your blue and orange colors as officials cut ribbons to dedicate the $6 million renovation of the Tigers’ football stadium. SSU plays its first game in the spiffed up stadium Saturday night at 7 against Howard University.

“It’s so exciting to break our home in with the community,” said Tigers senior quarterback A.J. DeFilippis. “You know, it wasn’t a day I expected to come. But it’s come and we’re embracing it.”

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Savannah State Tigers excited about big week ahead

Savannah, GA - First-year coach Steve Davenport wanted to give Savannah State football fans something to get excited about. So Davenport and the Tigers delivered the ultimate elixir — a 33-30 win over North Carolina Central in their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game.

It was just the positive statement SSU hoped to produce before coming home to display beautifully renovated T.A. Wright Stadium to an expected huge throng for the home opener against Howard University on Saturday night.



The game culminates several days of festivities. An official dedication of the stadium begins Thursday afternoon followed by the school’s athletic hall of fame induction ceremony on Friday night. Excitement for the team started early Sunday morning. Davenport said about 500 supporters and students greeted team buses at 3:30 a.m. after returning home from Durham, N.C.

“It really gave me an eye-opening of how starved these kids and the community are to be successful,” Davenport said.

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New York Urban League Football Classic: Turnovers doom Howard Bison in loss to Morgan State Bears

East Rutherford, NJ -- Howard University dominated the statistics but in the end, turnovers proved to be too much to overcome as Howard University fell, 14-9 to Morgan State University in the New York Urban League Classic at MetLife Stadium before 24,996.

The Bison (1-3 overall, 0-2 in the MEAC) shot themselves in the foot by turning the ball over six times including a fumble that was returned for the game’s first score.

Howard was able to set the tone early by moving the ball smartly up and down the field. But as has been the case through the early part of the season, the Bison were not able to capitalize. So the opportunistic Bears took advantage when Michael Dallas returned of three Greg McGhee fumbles for the game’s first score at the beginning of the second quarter.

“We need to throw the stats out the window and find ways to win,’ said Howard first year coach Gary Harrell. “We outgained Morgan in that category, but they won the game. We have to find ways as coaches to correct some of these problems and find ways to win these games.”

BATTLE OF THE BANDS - HALF-TIME: 2011 NEW YORK URBAN LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLASSIC



Morgan State (2-2 overall, 1-0 in the MEAC) took advantage of another Bison turnover a little over two minutes later when Kristin Johnson grabbed a three-yard pass from Robert Council to take a 14-0 lead to the locker room.


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D'Alessandro: New York Urban League Football Classic is much more than a football game between Howard, Morgan State

East Rutherford, New Jersey - “So, what do you know about football?” we asked the new president of the New York Urban League, Arva Rice, in the third quarter.

“Truthfully?” she asked, gazing down from Suite 324 at the carnage of a two-touchdown rout, before dropping her voice to a hushed whisper. “Not really very much.” Same here. So let’s talk culture and history.

Nobody really wants to do that on a joyous Saturday afternoon, but the game at MetLife Stadium wasn’t much to write home about at the time of this conversation.

In fact, the priorities for the 40th annual New York Urban League Football Classic were exposed by the halftime choreography: No patron left his or her seat, the aisles were clear and the concessions guys tapped their feet as the two marching bands blew everyone away.

First Howard, then Morgan State. And the latter held the field until...



PHOTO GALLERY: MSU VS. HOWARD IN THE NEW YORK URBAN LEAGUE CLASSIC

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Howard University's Delta Sigma Theta (Alpha Chapter) Proselyte

The 2011 Proselyte of the members of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. A proselyte is the celebration of Delta life and a way of introducing themselves to the campus.

The new proud members, Tenacious 43, were encircled by their sorors, presenting themselves to their families with everyone else looking on in admiration with a sense of pride for their friends who are now a part of the illustrious organization.



Filmed & edited by Justin E. Dean (@SwaggBoyHU)

Howard Bison vs. Norfolk State Spartans

Washington, D.C. - Honors for McGhee: Howard freshman quarterback Greg McGhee was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rookie of the week after passing for 248 yards and three touchdowns to rally the Bison to a 30-27 victory over Morehouse. McGhee was the first Howard quarterback since 2009 to eclipse 200 yards passing in a game.

It has to end sometime: With both teams opening their MEAC slate, Howard has its first chance of the season to end its 27-game losing streak in conference. The Bison have not won a conference game since Oct. 27, 2007, a 17-10 win at Norfolk State. The Spartans have won the three meetings since.

Halfway there: Veteran-laden Norfolk State almost pulled off the biggest upset of the season last weekend in Morgantown, W.Va., where it outgained West Virginia 242-193 in the first half ...



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Harrell aiming for change as Howard begins new season

Washington, D.C. - As the final days of last November came to a close, Howard University athletic director Louis “Skip” Perkins faced a daunting challenge: turn around a withering football program that bore a 4-29 record from 2008 to 2010. That task will begin in earnest Saturday RFK Stadium to glimpse the renewal of a prominent rivalry that has laid dormant for the past 14 years.

Leading Howard into battle against old foe Morehouse College this weekend will be the man Perkins believes can reinvigorate both an aged rivalry and past glory: Gary “The Flea” Harrell. After all, who better to carry the torch than the player who set Howard’s all-time record for career receptions in a game against Morehouse that capped a perfect 11-0 season?

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