Box Score Brookings, SD---Prince Okoroh scored a game-high 15 points, James Daniel tallied 14 and Solomon Mangham recorded his first double double, but it was not enough to offset another  outstanding free throw shooting exhibition as Texas Southern pulled away to a 63-54 win over Howard University in the Progressive Legends Classic at Frost Arena.
                 
The Bison (2-6) again fell behind early, but gathered themselves to take a brief lead before settling for a 29-29 deadlock at halftime.  James Daniel scored 11 points to lead all scorers as Howard had its best shooting first half in six games, converting on 45 percent from the field.
                 
"I was proud of this team during the tournament," said Howard Coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "To come to South Dakota and play two teams that can potentially win their leagues and for us to compete the way we did, will be career lessons for these young guys."

In the second half, Okoroh came to life offensively and scored 11 of his 15 points, but Daniel was able to manage only four points on 1 of 6 shooting, leaving a scoring drought.  The Bison was whistled for 13 second half fouls, enabling the Tigers (3-5) to go to the foul line where they hit on 16 of 17 for 94 percent.  It marked the second straight where free throw shooting proved to be the difference.  South Dakota State shot 86 percent in yesterday's win over the Bison.

"This game, in particular, we fought back to tie the game," explained Nickelberry.  "I knew that there was going to be a game Daniel missed shots.  It was just unfortunate that it had to be a game where a few other players were able to make shots." 

Mangham, a freshman forward, scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Kofi Andoh, another freshman forward, came off the bench to register a career-high seven points.  Freshman center Marcel Boyd recorded four blocked shots.

Texas Southern got a balanced attack from Madarious Gibbs (14 points), Jose Rodriquez (13 points), D'Angelo Scott (10 points, 9 rebounds) and Aaric Murray (!0 points).

After six games in 13 days on the road, the Bison finally get to play in the confines of Burr Gymnasium on Saturday when they host the College of William and Mary at 5 pm.

"We are at the point now where we are in every ball game," said Nickelberry.  "Now is the learning curve where we need to learn how to win them."