WASHINGTON, DC --- James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III scored a game-high 24 points, but it was the play of teammate Tyler Stone and a tough defensive effort that proved to be the difference as Howard overcame a 10-point deficit over the last 4:18 to pull out a 70-68 win over Bethune-Cookman University in a thrilling Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchup in Burr Gymnasium.
           
The Wildcats (6-15, 3-4 MEAC) appeared to be in control when Jordan Potts scored on a double clutch layup to give his team a 68-58 lead with 4:18 left in the game.  It was Potts, who tallied 15 of his 20 in the second stanza and 12 of B-CU's last 14, that gave Bethune-Cookman the edge.
           
Thanks to the Bison defense, that would be all that the Wildcats would score.  First, Stone would score on a putback that cut the deficit to 68-60 at the 4:02 mark.  Then, Daniel buried a long three pointer to cut the lead to 68-63 at the 3:07 mark.
           
The  Bison (10-10, 4-2 in the MEAC) forced a turnover on the next possession and Stone made them pay by sinking two free throws after being fouled, reducing the deficit to 68-65 with 2:35 remaining.
           
After both teams exchanged empty possessions, it was Stone who came through once again when he scored on a spin move that narrowed the margin to 68-67 with just under a minute remaining.
           
Daniel, the nation's leading scorer at 28.4 points per game, also ranks among the nation's leaders in steals and it showed at the right time 13 seconds later. A steal by Daniel and a deft pass to a cutting Damon Collins gave Howard lead at 69-68.
           
Stone, who also had four blocked shots, came up with a big one at the defensive end, forcing the Wildcats to foul him with 23 ticks on the clock.  The 6-7 junior from Toronto, Canada, converted on one of two free throws.
           
"It is my job to make a difference," said Stone, who was the key in the Bison's last outing.  "We started off slow so I know that we needed some energy and to make some plays." 
           
Bethune-Cookman attempted to tie the game at the other end but the Bison defense stood tall as both Daniel and Stone blocked potential game-tying shots to complete the come-from-behind victory.
           
Bethune Cookman gained control by hitting its three points shots. The Wildcats were sizzling in the first half, connecting on 7-of-14 from beyond the arc and 15-of-29 overall (52 percent) from the field.  The second half was different as the Bison defense forced 3-of-12 from the three-point line and 11-of-36 from the field (30 percent).
           
"Bethune is a very athletic team," said Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "They were making shots.  Then their guard Potts took over for a moment.  We kept saying during the timeouts that one player can't beat us.  The more he took over, the more the other players couldn't get involved. Our defense really picked up down the stretch with Jalen Jones, Daniel and Tyler getting deflections."  The Howard defense forced nine turnovers and scored 12 points off Bethune Cookman turnovers.
           
Daniel led all scorers with 24 points, three assists and three steals.  Stone recorded his second double double in a row with 13 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots, Collins tallied 14 points and Keon Hill came off the bench to score five crucial points and deal out four assists in 12 valuable minutes.  Hill made a huge three pointer that gave the Bison life and his no-look, between-the-legs pass to a trailing Marcel Boyd for a dunk seemed to inspire his team to go on the run.
           
"Yeah, I just wanted to come in and make a difference," said Hill, a redshirt junior reserve.  "The gaps were open and I was able to take advantage by getting the ball to my teammates. That's my job."
           
Added Daniel.  "Keon came in and gave us big minutes today.  He was the MVP."
           
The Wildcats lost their second straight game by two points.  They were led by Diamnte Lewis with 23 and Potts with 20 and five assists.

NEXT UP
Howard travels to Baltimore, MD to take on the Bears of Morgan State on Saturday at 4 pm in Hill Fieldhouse.