UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the Howard Bison triumphed over the Hampton Pirates with a 61-57 victory in the highly anticipated “Battle of the Real HU” at CareFirst Arena in Washington on November 25, 2023. With just half a second left on the clock, Cam Gillus secured the win for Howard by sinking two crucial free throws after stealing the ball from Hampton’s Christian Watson.
The thrilling showdown saw the Pirates (5-6) attempting to tie the game in the final moments, but Gillus’s decisive steal turned the tide. Earlier, Howard had reclaimed the lead with a layup by Gillus at the 7-minute mark, making it 45-44 after Hampton fought back from an eight-point deficit.
Bryce Harris led the Bison with 16 points, while Gillus contributed 13 points and five steals. On the other side, Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt shined for Hampton with 20 points, and Watson added 15 points. However, the Pirates struggled with their shooting, finishing at only 26% from the field (13-of-50).
The implications of this game resonate beyond the scoreboard, highlighting Howard’s resilience and competitive spirit as they improve to 8-5 on the season. Fans are already buzzing about the thrilling finish and the rivalry’s intensity, making this game a must-watch for college basketball enthusiasts.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this experience. Howard aims to capitalize on their momentum, while Hampton seeks to rebound from this close defeat. Keep an eye on both teams as they navigate the upcoming challenges in their schedules.
This victory sets the stage for more exciting matchups in the weeks ahead, ensuring that college basketball remains at the forefront of sports fans’ minds.
