Box Score Washington, DC—James "JC" Carlton scored a career-high 27 points and James "JT" Miller added his career-best 24, but it was not enough to offset some late heroics by Amere May as Howard fell, 79-76 in an exciting Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game at Burr Gymnasium.
                 
The game featured 8 ties and 13 lead changes.  The Bison had taken a 10-point lead at the 15:40 mark of the second half, but  Delaware State (7-9, 1-1 MEAC) rallied to tie the score at 70 with 2:40 left on the clock.  That s when the fun began.
Kendall Gray of Delaware State broke the tie on a tip-in following a miss.  But Miller quickly gave the Bison lead at 73-72 on a three pointer with 58 ticks on the clock.  Todd Hughes, who came off the bench to score a career-high 25 points, nailed a three pointer  13 seconds later to give the lead back to Delaware State.
                 
James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III helped Howard regain the lead at 76-75 with 13 seconds left.  Following a timeout, the Hornets came down and Maye delivered with a short pull up in the lane.  Howard was not finished.  On the ensuing possession, Marcel Boyd of the Bison was fouled, sending him to the line with a chance to either tie or take the lead.  The 6-10 sophomore from Accokeek, MD, missed both attemots.  May was fouled with three seconds left and he calmly sank both to close out the scoring and hand Howard its first home loss of the season.
                 
"Even though we didn't come away with a victory, I am extremely proud of these guys," said Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "If we show that much fight and togetherness, we will be fine.  I love the way the team is growing and starting to play for each other."
                 
The Bison (8-10, 2-2 MEAC) jumped out to a 10-lead before the Hornets settled in and took a 36-34 halftime lead on Hughes' 13 points.  Carlton and Miller combined for 21 of Howard's points.
                 
The second half was one of runs.  The Bison appeared to regain control as Carlton, Miller and Daniel combined to lead a spurt that their team a 10-point lead at the 15:40 mark.  Gray, May and Hughes countered to get their team back in the game.
                   
"JC was big time all game," said Nickelberry.  "He is really starting to get comfortable. JT also played well and stayed aggressive.  J-Byrd did not shoot the ball well but I thought he played a good game and obviously hit the big shot late in the game to put us ahead."
                 
Carlton connected on 10 of 19 from the field and Miller 8 of 12.  Daniel was 4 of 15 but he had five assists and only two turnovers.  Damon Collins combined for 15 rebounds and 4 blocked shots.
                 
"Our energy guys, Damon and Marcel  were huge tonight as well," noted Nickelberry.
                 
Hughes connected on 9 of 14 from the field for his 25 points, Gray recorded a double double (14 points, 18 rebounds) and May tallied 14 of his 17 in the second stanza.
                 
"Delaware State showed why I think that they will be a team to worry about come tournament time," said Nickelberry.  "They're experienced, talented and well coached.  It was a great game. We just came out on the wrong side of the score."

NEXT UP:  Delaware State hosts Bethune Cookman next Saturday at 4 pm while the Bison will not play again until January 24 when they travel to Daytona Beach, FL to play the Wildcats.