Howard wins by point, heads to 1st NCAA tourney since 1992
Howard forward Shy Odom (22) goes up for a basket as he's defended by Norfolk State forward Nyzaiah Chambers (50) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament, Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Norfolk, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Mike Caudill]
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Jelani Williams scored 20 points including two free throws with 6.1 seconds left to lead Howard to a 65-64 win in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament championship game and the Bison’s first trip to the NCAA Tournament in 31 years. This is Howard’s first MEAC Tournament title since 1992, which was also the last time the Bison won the regular-season championship until this season. Dana Tate scored 15 of his 19 points in the first half and conference player of the year Joe Bryant scored all 18 of his points in the second half for the third-seeded Spartans.
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Howard guard Jelani Williams (5) passes the ball around Norfolk State guard Joe Bryant Jr. (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament, Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Norfolk, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Mike Caudill
Howard forward Steve Settle III (2) and forward Shy Odom, center, go up for a rebound against Norfolk State forward Kris Bankston (30) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament, Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Norfolk, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Mike Caudill