The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) basketball races are heating up as the regular season heads into the month of February, with North Carolina A&T State undefeated in conference play in both the men's and women's standings. Norfolk State is also undefeated on the men's side.
In men's hoops, the Spartans and Aggies both won this past Saturday to remain atop the standings -- at least two games clear of North Carolina Central, which now sits 5-2 in MEAC play after Saturday's home loss to the rival Aggies. Howard, meanwhile, is still in the mix after wins over Delaware State and Maryland Eastern Shore.
Norfolk State's Nic Thomas and Howard's Charles Williams shared the Player of the Week honor, while Sherwyn Devonish-Prince, Jr. of Morgan State was named Rookie of the Week and Bethune-Cookman's Cletrell Pope -- who had 22 points and 24 rebounds against Morgan State -- was named Defensive Player of the Week.
The Spartans will hit the road on Saturday to take on Howard, while the Aggies will complete their Florida swing -- taking on Florida A&M on Saturday and preseason favorite Bethune-Cookman on Monday. Defending champion North Carolina Central will take on Bethune-Cookman on Saturday and Florida A&M on Monday.
Saturday will see Morgan State take on Coppin State live on FloHoops, and Monday's North Carolina Central at Florida A&M match-up will be broadcast live on ESPNU at 7 p.m.
On the women's side, preseason favorite and defending champion North Carolina A&T State is alone in first place, undefeated after defeating North Carolina Central this past Saturday, Marryland Eastern Shore and Norfolk State are tied for second in the standings -- after the Hawks handed the Spartans their first MEAC loss of the season this past weekend in Echols Hall.
Howard and Bethune-Cookman are tied for fourth in the standings at 4-3.
The Aggies will be on the road this week, taking on Florida A&M on Saturday and Bethune-Cookman on Monday. Norfolk State will head to Washington, D.C. to face Howard on Saturday, and the surprising Hawks are home this weekend for contests against South Carolina State and Savannah State.
Tickets for the 2019 MEAC Basketball Tournament (March 11-16, 2019 at Norfolk Scope Arena) are currently on sale. Fans can call the MEAC office at (757) 951-2055 to order; they can also purchase tickets through member institutions' ticket offices and Ticketmaster.
WOMEN
Saturday, Feb. 2
Morgan State at Coppin State, 2 p.m.
North Carolina Central at Bethune-Cookman, 2 p.m.
Norfolk State at Howard, 2 p.m.
Savannah State at Delaware State, 2 p.m.
South Carolina State at Maryland Eastern Shore, 2 p.m.
North Carolina A&T State at Florida A&M, 4 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 4
North Carolina Central at Florida A&M, 4 p.m.
North Carolina A&T State at Bethune-Cookman, 5:30 p.m.
Savannah State at Maryland Eastern Shore, 5:30 p.m.
South Carolina State at Delaware State, 5:30 p.m.
MEN
Saturday, Feb. 2
Morgan State at Coppin State, 4 p.m.
(streamed live on FloSports)
North Carolina Central at Bethune-Cookman, 4 p.m.
Norfolk State at Howard, 4 p.m.
Savannah State at Delaware State, 4 p.m.
South Carolina State at Maryland Eastern Shore, 4 p.m.
North Carolina A&T State at Florida A&M, 6 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 4
North Carolina Central at Florida A&M, 7 p.m.
(live on ESPNU)
North Carolina A&T State at Bethune-Cookman, 7:30 p.m.
Savannah State at Maryland Eastern Shore, 7:30 p.m.
South Carolina State at Delaware State, 7:30 p.m.