Preview: Howard Bison at Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (Interstat) — The Howard Bison visit the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks on Saturday in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men’s basketball matchup at the William P. Hytche Center.

Howard (9-7) enters looking to rebound from a narrow 58-57 road loss to South Carolina State last Saturday. The Bison have shown resilience in close games, with three of their last six contests decided by four points or fewer.

A key figure for the Bison is guard Ose Okojie, who is coming off an 18-point performance in the loss. Over his last five games, Okojie is averaging 14.2 points and 5.2 rebounds, including a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double in a win at Drexel on Dec. 16. He will be supported by Cedric Taylor and Cam Gillus, who combined for 21 points against South Carolina State.

Maryland-Eastern Shore (5-13) snapped a four-game skid with a 66-49 home victory over Morgan State last Saturday. The Hawks have struggled against high-major competition this season, with losses to Texas, Virginia Tech and Virginia, but are 4-2 at home.

The Hawks are led by guard Jaden Cooper, who posted 9 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists in the win over Morgan State. He averaged 12.5 points in games against Texas and Wagner prior. Dorion Staples, who scored a team-high 16 points last game, provides additional scoring punch.

Howard holds a distinct advantage in season record, but the Hawks have shown capability on their home floor. This contest opens a critical stretch of MEAC play for both teams. Howard visits North Carolina Central next Saturday, while Maryland-Eastern Shore travels to Norfolk State on Monday.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.