Preview: Norfolk State Spartans at Howard Bison

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference positioning will be on the line Saturday when the Howard Bison host the Norfolk State Spartans at Burr Gymnasium.

Howard (12-9, 3-3 MEAC) looks to rebound from a narrow home loss, while Norfolk State (10-13, 3-3 MEAC) aims to steady itself after a similarly heartbreaking defeat. Both teams enter the 4 p.m. EST tipoff on Jan. 31, 2026, tied in the conference loss column, adding stakes to the league matchup.

The Bison fell 78-77 to Morgan State last Saturday despite a standout performance from Cedric Taylor. The guard poured in 29 points, grabbed six rebounds and blocked two shots. Taylor has been a consistent force for Howard, averaging 21.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists over his last five games. His versatility powers a Bison offense averaging 78.2 points in conference play.

Norfolk State is coming off a 79-78 loss to Morgan State on Monday. The Spartans’ recent surge has been fueled by the emergence of Jaquel Morris. The forward scored a career-high 23 points in that narrow defeat, following an 11-point, eight-rebound effort in a rout of Coppin State. His increased production provides a vital secondary scoring option behind Anthony McComb (14 points vs. Morgan State).

Howard holds the edge in season record and boasts a more potent offense, but the Spartans have shown resilience, winning three of their last five MEAC contests. The Bison have defended their home court well, going 8-3 at Burr Gymnasium this season.

The game will feature a compelling backcourt battle between Howard’s high-scoring Taylor and Norfolk State’s backcourt of McComb and Devon Ellis. Controlling the paint will also be critical, with Morris’s recent activity for the Spartans facing a test against Howard’s interior presence, including Bryce Harris, who posted a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double last week.

This contest serves as the first of a regular-season series split, with the rematch scheduled for March 5 in Norfolk, Virginia.