Howard University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams each captured Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament championships March 14 at the Norfolk Scope Arena, marking a historic moment for the Bison as both programs secured automatic bids to their respective NCAA Division I Basketball Tournaments.

Even more history was made March 15 when the women learned they would be a No. 14 seed, the highest ranking of any Bison basketball team in university history. They will face No. 3 seed Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, March 21, at 11:30 a.m. The game will air on ESPN2.

A No. 16 seed, the men will take on UMBC in a play-in game at 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, in Dayton, Ohio. With a win, they would advance to face No. 1 seed Michigan in the Buffalo regional. The men’s game will air on TruTV.

Both teams’ March Madness invitations were made possible because of dominant performances in the 2026 MEAC Tournament. These invitations came after the men’s team defeated South Carolina State 78-61 on Friday and then later defeated North Carolina Central 70-63 in the finals. The women’s team knocked off South Carolina State (75-43) and Coppin State (65-50) en route to their 53-46 win over Norfolk State in the finals. This was the team’s sixth straight finals appearance and first title win since 2022.

The wins capped remarkable regular seasons for both teams, which entered the tournament surpassing the 20-win mark and the conference’s No. 1 seeds. 

Throughout the MEAC Tournament, Howard showed the dominance and competitive spirit that defined the Bison programs all season long. The victories extend Howard’s presence on the national stage as both teams now prepare to compete in the NCAA Tournament.

On behalf of the university, leaders extended congratulations to the student-athletes, coaches, and staff whose efforts helped deliver the dual championships.

“These remarkable achievements reflect the discipline and teamwork that can be seen throughout all of our athletic programs,” said Kery Davis, vice president of Athletics. “Throughout the season — and especially during the MEAC Tournament — our Bison demonstrated determination and a commitment to excellence that has made the entire Howard University community proud.”

Standout Performances Across the Conference

Howard’s success was celebrated before the first game even tipped off as both teams received several postseason honors during the MEAC Basketball Tournament Awards last Tuesday.

For the men’s program, senior guard Bryce Harris earned MEAC Player of the Year honors while also being named to the All-MEAC First Team and All-Defensive Team.

Teammate Cedric Taylor III, a junior guard, was recognized as both MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, in addition to earning First-Team All-MEAC and All-Defensive Team honors.

Howard also saw senior guard Ose Okojie named to the All-Defensive Team, while freshman Danas Kazakevicius earned a spot on the MEAC All-Rookie Team.

On the women’s side, Howard continued its dominance with senior forward Zennia Thomas being named MEAC Player of the Year, while also earning First-Team All-MEAC and All-Defensive Team recognition.

Head coach Ty Grace was named MEAC Coach of the Year, and freshman guard Ariella Henigan captured MEAC Rookie of the Year honors and was named to the All-Rookie Team.

Redshirted junior Zoe Stewart earned a spot on the First-Team All-MEAC, while senior forward Nile Miller earned Second-Team All-MEAC and All-Defensive Team recognition.

The honors continued to flow after the championship games with Grace and men’s coach Kenny Blakeney being named Outstanding Coach of the 2026 MEAC Basketball Tournament. Harper and Thomas were named Outstanding Performer for the men’s and women’s tournaments, respectively. 

A Historic Moment for Howard Basketball

Winning conference championships and advancing to the NCAA Tournament is a milestone achievement for any program. For Howard, seeing both basketball teams accomplish that feat in the same season underscores the continued growth and success of Bison athletics.

The dual championships highlight the strength of the programs, the leadership of their coaching staffs, and the commitment of student-athletes who have represented Howard with excellence throughout the season.

As the Bison prepare to compete in the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, the university is encouraging the entire Howard community — students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters — to rally behind both teams.

With the MEAC titles secured and national competition ahead, Howard’s Bison now turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament, where they will represent the university on college basketball’s biggest stage.