Radford, VA – James "JT" Miller scored a career- and game-high 19 points and James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III added 16, but it was not enough to offset the balanced scoring of Radford (1-2), which placed four players in double figures as Howard fell 61-52 to the Highlanders in a non-conference contest at the Dedmon Center.

Howard appeared out of sorts early, turning the ball over and not shooting well.  But the team made up for its deficiencies with some aggressive defense that forced Radford to miss 23 of its 31 shots taken in the first 20 minutes.  As a result, the Bison finished with a 9-1 run over the last four minutes to trail by two at 20-18 after falling behind by as many as 10.

Miller and Daniel each had seven to pace the Bison while R.J. Rice scored seven for the Highlanders.

Both teams improved their play in the second half.  First it was Radford that temporarily took control, opening with a 6-0 run to take a 24-18 lead.  The Highlanders leading scorer and rebounder, Javonte Green, who was held in check by the Bison defense in the first half, began to get loose along with Rashaun Davis and reserve Taj Owens.  The veteran trio combined to score 25 of Radford's second half points.

The Bison rallied on the scoring of Miller, Daniel and Jared Norsworthy, who scored 28 of Howard's second half points.  It turned into a battle.  Each time Radford threatened to create some space between them and the Bison, Howard would have an answer.

"It would have been a great game to watch as a spectator," said Howard Coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "It was a great atmosphere with two physical teams with a lot of runs both ways."

But down the stretch, Davis and Owens began to get to the free throw line and Green proved to be a force inside.  The Highlanders scored their last six points from the free throw line, knocking down 16 of 21 from the charity stripe in the second half.

"The difference in the game was their experienced players made some big plays at some big moments," said Nickelberry.  "Also there was a huge disparity in the free throws.  It's hard when you are in a situation where the other team shoots 27 free throws."

Still, the Bison had chances, but were not able to take advantage.

"These last couple games where the outcome is in the balance, that is where we miss a Prince Okoroh," he explained.  "He is that player who can get you that basket late."

This game was similar to the one on Tuesday at William & Mary in which the Bison fell behind and rallied and scrapped their way back into game before falling short.

Concluded Nickelberry, "We will learn from this game and it will make us a better team."

Howard hosts Hood College on Sunday at 7 pm.