Box Score Washington, DC—James "JC" Carlton poured in a career-high and James "JT" Miller and James "J-Byrd" Daniel each added 11 to lead Howard University to a 64-48 win over Morgan State in a Mid-Eastern Conference men's game at Burr Gymnasium.
                 
The win was the third in a row and fourth in the last five for the streaking Bison (11-10, 5-2 MEAC).  It also snapped a three-game losing streak to the Bears.
                 
Howard jumped out to a 16-2 lead to start the game and was rarely challenged.  Carlton, who was coming off a career-tying 27-point effort in a win at Bethune Cookman on Monday, was a perfect 7 for 7 from the field as the Bison shot 60 percent (12 of 20) and led 28-20 at the break.
                 
Howard's defense, which came into the game ranked in the Top 20 in field goal percentage, was again effective against the Bears, limiting the visitors to 27 percent on 8 of 29 shooting in the first 20 minutes.
                 
"JC got us off to a great start," said Howard Coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "From there, we were able to do what we do: play tough defense, get contributions on offense from J-Byrd and JT and get production from other players, whether it is rebounding or defense."
                 
Morgan State (4-17, 2-5 MEAC) was able to improve its shooting (43 percent) in the second half, but each time the Bears would get within striking distance, the talented 6-8 Carlton would deliver with an array of shots that had the home crowd buzzing, and the Morgan State players frustrated.  From alley oop dunks to step back jumpers to floaters, Carlton put on a show. 
                 
Carlton connected on 14 of 17 from the field while filling the stat sheet with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a blocked shot in 39 minutes of play.
                 
"I am becoming more and more comfortable with my teammates and what we are doing in the system," explained Carlton. "I was a little hesitant early in the season after sitting out two years.  But each game, I am feeling more and more comfortable."
                 
Daniel, the team-leading scorer with 16.8 points per game, did not have a good shooting night, missing 10 of 12 from the field, but the sophomore guard from Hampton, VA tallied nine of his 11 after intermission, including 6 of 6 from the free throw line.
                 
Miller, the 6-4 sophomore guard from Clinton, NC, hit in 5 of 8 from the floor.  Damon Collins, a 6-6 sophomore guard from Dallas, TX, scored only three points but he was a factor with a team-high 8 rebounds, a block and a steal.
                 
"We are getting closer and closer to where we understand roles on this team," said Nickelberry.  "We are doing a better job of sharing the basketball, getting scoring from the scorers and solid contributions from some of our other players like Damon Collins, Jared Norsworthy, Keon Hill and Oliver Ellison."
                 
Conrad Chambers came off the bench to lead Morgan State with 11 points while Cedric Blossom added 10.
 
NEXT UP:  Morgan State plays Coppin State in a crosstown rivalry next Saturday on a nationally televised game on ESPNU at 7 pm.  Howard will try to extend its win streak to four when it hosts Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday at 7:30 pm in Burr.