The Howard University Bison (#4) are the champions of the 2024 Men’s MEAC Tournament after they defeated the Delaware State Hornets (#6) 70-67 on March 16th. This is their second consecutive win of the tournament.  

“It takes a village the way we play and the way our culture is to make it happen and be successful,” said Bison Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney. “We did it with heart and we did it with character.” 

During the semifinal matchup, Hornets guard, Martaz Robinson, suffered from a hyper-extended knee injury, but he started today’s game off with the first shot within a minute.  

The Bison took the lead with a 3-point jumper from forward Seth Towns, and one from guard Isiah Warfield.  

Running a 3-2 zone on defense, the Hornets were able to go on a 7-1 run, as well as force a jump ball and shot clock violation on the Bison. Hornets center, Raymond Somerville, received a flagrant foul that was under review around the 11-minute mark.  

Bison guard, Jordan Hairston, had a steal after he made a 3-pointer, but the Hornets responded with a jumper from forward Alston Andrews.  

The two teams attempted roughly the same number of shots, but the Bison’s 3-point percentage was higher, helping them take the half 40-34.  

“Just what it means to put this uniform on and to play for the name on the front of my jersey gives me goosebumps,” said Towns. “It’s the reason I came to Howard. I couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful experience than this, so to represent the history of Mecca is an incredible honor.” 

Bison guard Bryce Harris started the second half with a block, followed by the first shot of the half from Hornets guard, Jevin Muniz. 

Hornets forward, Wesley Oba, received two fouls back-to-back, making it his fourth foul in the game.  

Going on an 8-1 run, the Hornets take the lead, but the Bison take it back with a layup by Harris. A steal by Tavarez led to a driving layup from Muniz, which gave the Hornets the lead again.  

After multiple Bison possessions with out-of-bounds calls, the Hornets received the ball and Muniz made a 3-pointer.  

Soon after, the Bison received their second shot clock violation. Warfield also received his 5th foul and was taken out of the game.  

The two teams fought hard this half, having four lead changes and 3 ties. The game stayed within a 4-point game, but the Bison finished on top in the end 70-67.  

“It’s unreal,” said Hairston. “This is a feeling that everybody chases throughout their career and to be able to finally get it done, to know all the hours that you’ve put in to see it just be accomplished, is an unreal feeling.” 

Hairston had 18 points, and Towns had 16 points and 8 rebounds. Muniz had a game high of 24 points, and Robinson had 16 points and 8 rebounds.  

“I would like to certainly thank our Delaware State University players who really gave it their all this season,” said Hornets Head Coach Stan Waterman.  “We turned the program around and we got ourselves to a championship game. We gave ourselves an opportunity to win, we competed, and we had a chance. The future is bright, and we hope to be back here next year.”