Washington, DC --- James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III scored a team-high 20 points and James "JC" Carlton added 17, but it was not enough as Howard relinquished a six-point lead with 40 seconds and fell to Hampton, 68-67 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game before a packed house at Burr Gymnasium.

After the Bison (15-14, 9-6 MEAC) had taken what appeared to be a safe 67-61 lead on a free throw by Jared Norsworthy, the Pirates (12-15, 8-6 MEAC) got a quick basket from Deron Powers to cut into the margin, 67-63 with 33 seconds remaining.

James ""JT" Miller was quickly fouled on Howard's ensuing possession, but the sophomore guard, who shoots 72 percent from the line on the season, missed both, leaving the door open for a three pointer by Powers at the other end to get the Pirates to within 67-66 with 18 ticks still left on the clock.

Hampton again fouled and sent Carlton, a 76 percent free throw shooter to the line.  The senior forward, who had made eight of nine before that, missed both, the second resulting in a defensive rebound by Quinton Chevious.

The Pirates came down and again it was Chievous, who would prove to be a factor as he sneaked behind the Bison defense and scored on a layup with seven seconds on the clock.  He was fouled on the play but he missed the free throw, giving Howard a chance to win it.

Daniel launched a three pointer that appeared to have a chance when it left his hands, but it glanced off the rim and Hampton escaped with the victory as the buzzer sounded.

The Bison, who had shot well from the free throw line over the past four games (74 percent), missed their last five in a row after going 20 of 23.

The loss overshadowed another fine performances by Carlton and Daniel, who combined for half of the Bison's 34 second half points.  Howard, which trailed by seven at the half, got additional scoring support from its bench, which held a 26-14 advantage.  Senior guard Jared Norsworthy had the best game of his career with 10 points and Ford, a red-shirt junior guard, added 8 points and 4 steals.

But in the end, it was free throw shooting that proved to be the difference as Howard dropped its 11th straight to their rivals.

Hampton was led by Powers with 23 and Chevious with 11 off the bench.

NEXT UP: Howard hosts Norfolk State on Monday in its MEAC regular season finale at 7:30 pm in Burr.  It will be Senior Night as Theodore Boyomo, Carlton and Norsworthywill be playing their last game in a Bison uniform.