Box Score Los Angeles, Calif---The Howard University men's team played tough the first 20 minutes, trailing 29-26 at the half on the road, but a second half explosion by Byron Wesley and Nikola Jovanovic, who combined for 25 points, proved to be the difference as the University of Southern California pulled away to an 82-60 win in a non-conference game at the Galen Center.
The Bison (3-13), who were playing without two of its top three scorers, freshman guards James "J-Bird" Daniel and James "JT" Miller, who average almost 30 points between them. Neither made the trip. Daniel is nursing a toe injury and Miller a sore knee.
Despite not having the luxury of their scoring production, the young Bison battled and scrapped despite the size and depth advantage of the Trojans (9-5).
USC shot 50 percent from the floor and maintained a 22-11 advantage on the boards, but Howard countered by forcing 12 turnovers that it converted into 12 points and by blocking a season-high six shots.
"In the first half, we made shots and did a good job of contesting shots," said Howard head coach
Kevin Nickelberry. "However, fatigue, foul trouble and inexperience kicked in in the second half. We kept fighting and tried to avoid the big break, but we were not able to."
The Trojans were able to take advantage of the Bison's deficiencies as Wesley and Jovanovic began to find their range. First it was Wesley, who hit on five of six from the floor. Then Jovanovic took over, connecting on all four of his shots from the floor, including a three pointer that capped off a 17-2 run over a six-minute stretch that opened at 59-40 lead at the 11:52 mark.
Okoroh and
Solomon Mangham each tallied 11 points while red-shirt freshman guard
Keon Hill and freshman
Damon Collins had perhaps their best games of the season. Hill knocked down three pointers and dealt out a career-best five assists and Collins finished with a personal best six points and three rebounds.
"Not having Daniel and Miller gave some other players like Hill and Collins a chance to step up," said Nickelberry.
Wesley led all scorers with 26, J.T. Terrell scored 18 off the bench and Jovanovic finished with 15.
The Bison will have a few days off until they return to action on January 4 at College of Charleston. That will complete the non-conference schedule and resume the MEAC schedule which starts on January 13 at home against Savannah State.
"The future is bright for Howard University basketball," said Nickelberry. "This team has a lot of talent. They have been able to play against some top BCS teams. It has enabled them to get valuable playing time and experience. This will help them get ready for the MEAC. I am confident of that."
