It was all set up for a terrific close to the season for the Howard University men’s basketball team: the crowd, the electricity and the celebrities were all there on March 3.
Playing their last home game of the season at the famed Burr Gymnasium in Washington, D.C., the Howard Bison just had to topple Hampton University to satisfy a lively crowd who journeyed out to witness the battle of the “Real HU.” But it was the Hampton Pirates who claimed the title as they silenced Howard, 83-72.
With a three-point shooting showcase, Hampton exploded early, and then exploded late. Hampton opened up the first half with seven three-pointers, forcing Howard defenders to scramble as Hampton continued to rain shots in from deep outside. The hot shooting may have rushed Howard’s offense, as they connected on only 29 percent of their shots in the opening half and were down 36-22 at the half.
An 8-0 run by Howard helped the Bison close to 44-42 with just over 14 minutes remaining in the second half, but another flurry of three-pointers extended Hampton’s lead again.
Hampton made eight more three-pointers in the second half as junior guard Darrion Pellum led the way with six connections from deep. Fellow junior guards Kwame Morgan II and Christopher Tolson each knocked down game totals of four three-pointers for Hampton.
The win locked up a No. 2 seed for Hampton (21-8) and helped fortify Howard’s No.11 seed, as both schools will prepare for next week’s Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament.
Game Notes: A trio of Washington Wizards was in attendance as John Wall, Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee all sat courtside to witness Howard’s final home game of the 2011 season.
