Women 

The Howard University Bison (#2) defeated the Morgan State Bears (#7) in the second game of the 2024 Women’s MEAC Tournament 49-44 at Norfolk Scope Arena. The Bison beat the Bears in two games during the regular season, making this their third consecutive win over the Bears.  

“I was just proud about how they stayed resilient, and we didn’t quit,” said Howard Head Coach Ty Grace. “I’m proud about how they finished the game.” 

The Lady Bears started the game off with the first shot, but Howard led the quarter with an early run. The Bears fought back hard with a 11-0 run and took the lead 11-14, but the Bisons pulled through to tie the Bears and end the quarter 15-15. 

 The Bisons started the second quarter off strong by making the first shot of the quarter and going on an 8-0 run, leading the score 23-15. There was a slow shooting period for both teams, but Howard kept the lead and ended the half 26-24.  

Getting the first shot of the third quarter, the Lady Bears tied the score 27-27, but Howard didn’t let that stop them. The Bison went on a 12-2 run, finishing the quarter 39-29. 

Extending their shooting streak, the Bisons got the first shot of the 4th quarter. The Bears fought hard, scoring 15 points in the last quarter. They fell short to the Bison, ending the game 49-44.  

 “All in all, it was a great game and I’m extremely proud of these girls in the end,” said Morgan State Head Coach Ed Davis. “We weren’t afraid of anything; we just didn’t capitalize on the little things.” 

Howard guard, Iyanna Warren, led the team with 15 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds. Morgan forward, Joella Johnson, led the team with 14 points, 1 assist, and 5 rebounds.  

The Bison will play the winner of game 5 in the semifinals March 15 at 2 p.m. at Scope Arena.  

Men 

The North Carolina Central Eagles (#2) secured their spot in the 2024 Men’s MEAC Tournament semifinals after a win against the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (7). This will be their 3rd win against the Eagles this season.  

“Overall, it’s great to come out victorious over the course of this year,” said NCC Head Coach LeVelle Moton. “I just thought we made some significant plays at some significant times and these guys played their hearts out for me.” 

The Hawks led the game for the first half, starting the game with a 4-0 run. They spaced the score out even more to 6-16 with a 7-0 run.  

Soon after, the Eagles broke the scoring streak and took the lead 27-26. The Hawks tried to regain the momentum by tying the game 28-28. The Eagles persevered, taking the lead again 31-28 and finished the first half 40-37. 

The Eagles started the second half with the same energy they ended the first with and made the first shot of the half.  

The Hawks received a flagrant, giving the Eagles two free shots. Making the game a 3-point game, the Hawks fought hard but the Eagles pulled through, ending the game 87-81.  

“We were confident that if we stuck to our game plan then we could beat anybody in this tournament,” said UMES Head Coach Jason Crafton. “We have to learn from this and come back to be better.” 

Eagles guard, Fred Cleveland Jr., led the team with 21 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds. Hawks guard, Dionte Johnson, led the team with 21 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds.  

The Eagles will play the winner of game 8 in the semifinals on March 15 at 8 p.m. in Scope Arena.