Washington, DC--- James "J-Byrd" Daniel III scored a game-high 24 points, but it was strong defense and dominant rebounding that made the difference as Howard defeated Florida A&M, 65-51 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's game at Burr Gymnasium. It was the Bison's last home game of the season. 

Daniel got his team off to a fast start, scoring 15 of his points in the first 20 minutes as the Bison led, 34-23 at the half. The 5-11 junior from Hampton, VA connected on six of his first nine shots including two of three from the three-point line. 

"He did a great job of getting guys off to a good start with open layups and easy baskets," said Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry. "He showed today that's he's improving with each game." 

The Bison (12-17, 6-8 in the MEAC) shot 52 percent (13 of 25) in the first 20 minutes. While the Rattlers (8-19, 4-10 in the MEAC) were having problems containing Daniel, they were having even more problems scoring against the Bison defense, especially junior center Marcel Boyd. The 6-11 native of Accokeek, MD grabbed seven rebounds and blocked six shots in the first 20 minutes, setting the tone for the rest of the game. 

"Marcel was dominant tonight," said Nickelberry. "He controlled the middle of the floor, the glass, and protected the rim. That's why I think he's one of the best true big men in our league." 

Daniel, the nation's leading scorer at 27.6 points per game, cooled off in the second half, but it did not matter because Boyd and Tyler Stone made life miserable for the visitors with their inside presence. The duo proved to be a formidable force, combining for 26 rebounds, 17 points and nine blocked shots for the game. 

"I was hard on him today. We needed him to be strong on the glass and dominate in all phases of the game. I was on him the entire game and he responded," said Nickelberry in the play of Stone.

Their presence allowed the Bison to keep Florida A&M at bay, maintaining a double-digit lead throughout. The Bison bench which has been missing in action during their current skid, got a big boost from junior guard Kofi Andoh who was on his three shots from the field 4 of 4 from the charity stripe for 10 points in 17 minutes. 

"Kofi did the things necessary for us to hold and extend the lead on offense and defense," noted Nickelberry. "He made some Crucial And 1's and played tough defensively." 

The Rattlers held a huge edge on points off the bench (26-14), but Howard controlled the glass with 42-27 advantage. 

Stone had a double double of 11 points and 12 rebounds, Boyd with six points, 14 rebounds and a career-high 8 blocked shots. In addition to his 24 points, Daniel dealt out four assists and added two steals in 3 minutes of action. 

Florida A&M got 11 points from K'Ja Johnson off the bench as no one else reached double figures 

NEXT UP: Howard travels to Hampton, VA to take on the Pirates of Hampton University on Saturday at 4 pm.