Harris Powers Howard Past Hampton in Battle of the Real HU Classic

SOUTHEAST D.C. — Graduate guard Bryce Harris delivered a complete performance to lift Howard University to a 61–57 win over Hampton on Saturday in the Battle of the Real HU Classic at CareFirst Arena.

Harris finished with a game-high 16 points and a double-double, adding 12 rebounds and two blocks as the Bison secured their longest winning streak of the season at three games. The victory also snapped Howard’s three-game losing streak against the Pirates.

Harris was a matchup problem all afternoon, shooting 6-for-12 from the field while anchoring Howard on both ends of the floor. The game featured eight lead changes and eight ties, but the Bison’s defensive discipline down the stretch proved decisive.

Defense has been Howard’s calling card this season, and it showed again. The Bison held Hampton to just 26 percent shooting (13-for-50) from the field and an ice-cold 5 percent from beyond the arc (1-for-21). Howard also capitalized on mistakes, scoring 19 points off turnovers in a grind-it-out contest.

Howard (7–5) recorded 11 assists on 19 made field goals, while the bench accounted for 19 points.

Junior guard Cam Gillus added 13 points on an efficient 3-for-5 shooting night and set a season high with five steals, providing constant pressure in the backcourt. Cedric Taylor III made his long-awaited debut after missing the start of the season with a hand injury. The junior transfer from Morehouse College scored 10 points off the bench, giving Howard a boost in its rotation. Senior guard Ose Okojie chipped in nine points and eight rebounds.

Hampton kept the game close at the free-throw line, converting 23 of 31 attempts. Jalyke Gaines-Wright led the Pirates with 20 points, while Christian Watson added 15 points off the bench.