The Howard University men’s basketball team delivered one of its most well-rounded performances of the season Saturday night, defeating the University of Maryland Eastern Shore 79–68 inside a buzzing John H. Burr Gymnasium.
The victory showcased the depth, defensive intensity and growing leadership of the 2025–2026 Bison squad as conference play heats up.
From the opening tip, Howard controlled the tempo. The Bison attacked the paint early, moved the ball efficiently around the perimeter and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities.
By halftime, Howard had established momentum, and in the second half, they built a double-digit lead that Maryland Eastern Shore could not overcome.
Senior marketing major and guard Bryce Harris led the charge, finishing with a team-high 22 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Harris scored at all three levels — knocking down perimeter shots, finishing through contact at the rim and converting free throws late to seal the game.
“We knew this was a game we had to control from start to finish,” Harris said. “We talked all week about staying locked in on defense and moving the ball on offense. Tonight, everything clicked.”
Junior guard Cam Gillus provided consistent playmaking, contributing 14 points and five assists while keeping the offense composed during key stretches.
Wing player Cedric Taylor III added scoring punch and defensive pressure, helping disrupt Maryland Eastern Shore’s perimeter rhythm.
Freshman center Danas Kazakevicius anchored the interior, pulling down eight rebounds and delivering key defensive stops that shifted momentum in critical moments, even if they didn’t fully appear in the box score.
Head coach Kenneth Blakeney emphasized the team’s resilience after navigating a demanding stretch that included back-to-back road contests, late-game losses, and injuries that tested the team’s depth leading up to Saturday’s matchup.
“Our guys showed resilience tonight,” Blakeney said. “Maryland Eastern Shore came in ready to compete, but we made the extra plays when it mattered. That’s a big step for this team.”
Defense proved to be the difference. Howard held the Hawks under 40% shooting and forced several turnovers that led to easy fast-break points.
Alex Cotton and Isaiah Brown knocked down a pair of three-pointers midway through the second half, extending the lead and igniting the crowd.
The afternoon crowd made their presence known throughout the game. The student section remained engaged from tip-off to the final buzzer, erupting after every defensive stop and highlight play.
Junior psychology major Tasha Coleman described the energy as contagious.
“Every time there was a big play — a block, a steal, a dunk — this place erupted,” Coleman said. “It’s great to see the team and fans feeding off each other.”
Senior sports management major and guard Ose Okojie echoed that sentiment, crediting the home crowd for providing an extra push late in the game.
“Getting this win here at Burr means a lot,” Okojie said. “We want our gym to be a place where opponents know it’s tough to come.”
With the victory, Howard improves to 16–10 overall and strengthens its positioning in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings. As the postseason approaches, the combination of veteran leadership and emerging young talent suggests the Bison are building momentum.
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.
