HAMPTON, Va. --  Hampton's Jordan Nesbitt's dunk with 35 seconds to go to iced the game as Hampton defeated Howard 74-65 on Saturday night in the Battle of the Real HU.
 
Nesbitt and Russell Dean topped Hampton (2-6) in points with 23 and 20 apiece. Both players sank 4-of-7 shots from the 3-point range which snapped the Pirates five-game losing streak. Nesbitt added eight rebounds and five steals, with Dean following at five assists.
 
During the first half, the Bison had a probability of winning after Jordan Wood made a three-point jumper with Bryce Harris at the assists and their momentum was kicking up, but as the time went on Hampton began to dominate and pierce through the Howard defense.
 
With Hampton holding a six-point, the Pirates kicked it up a notch after Marquis Godwin made a layup, assisted by Raymond Bethea Jr. Keeping up the drive Nesbitt added a three pointer and Bethea followed that with a layup. After some fouls and needed free throws the Pirates continued to move past the Bison.
 
Battling with the Pirates efforts the Bison began to put points on the board. Jelani Williams topped the Bison with 15 points and Jordan Wood scored 14 with seven rebounds. Along with them Steve Settle III added 14 points and 10 rebounds and was working tirelessly near the end to gather turnovers, hoping to change the game.
 
In spite of their efforts, the Pirates rallied together as the Bison's continued to push forward with a six-point deficit. It was a cliffhanging game as Nesbitt secured his free throws and Bethea made a crucial steal from Jelani WIlliams with 41 seconds left on the clock, leading to the needed dunk from Nesbitt.
 
Hampton shot 39.3% in field goals and secured 27 points off of turnovers in total, with a free throw percentage of 65.6%. In spite of slight setbacks, the Pirates came back to life in an intense game and maintained their title as The Real HU.
 
Hampton is home against Loyola University Maryland on Wednesday at 7 p.m.