Energy, confidence, focus and momentum surfaced on the Corbett Sports Center court as the Aggies prevailed with a 61-37 win over Howard University. “I thought [the Aggies] did an excellent job executing the defensive game plan,” stated head coach Cy Alexander. Senior forward Adrian Powell found his rhythm and got the team’s confidence and momentum rolling scoring 21 points in the first half. “I’m a rhythm shooter so once I get my rhythm I start to feel it, so I just kept knocking shots throughout the first half.” The Aggies defensive game plan and defensive effort in the first half is what took away Howard’s offensive rhythm early in the first half. According to Alexander, Howard likes to run their offense in a circular motion. It is predicated on the ball going from one side of the floor to the other side of the floor which the Aggies tried to slow down. “In the first half we used a sum matchup zone and just contested their shooters,” said Alexander. The Aggies also tried to cut off dribble penetration and be in a shooters face at all times. Another great advantage for the Aggies was when senior forward Mike Phillips, one of Howard’s better offensive shooters, got in foul trouble early. “We were trying to make him play defense,” said Alexander. Since the Aggies had such a significant lead in the first half, during the second half the momentum slowed a bit. “Even though they outscored us in the second half 24-23 we were still able to come up with the W,” said Alexander. According to Powell, Alexander got a little upset with the team on the side and wanted them to keep prevailing. “He told us to keep grinding and don’t let up because they can get on a run and come back so he told us to keep pushing,” said Powell. The Aggies will face the Morgan State Bears next Jan. 26 in the Corbett Sports Center. Alexander constantly talks to the team about taking it one game at a time and continuing to focus and play with intensity as if the team was in a higher division. “Just bring it every night because in the MEAC any given night any team can get beat so we’ve just got to stay focused and stay confident,” said Powell. Alexander’s main focus is to get the team to continue to win in the Corbett Sports Center. “It’s very important that we continue to stay focused and stay grounded and stay driven,” stated Alexander.

• Uniqua Quillins, Contributer