Washington, DC---James Daniel III, poured a 32 of his game-high 34 in the second half and extra period and Marcel Boyd recorded another double-double but Jeff Short scored seven of his 19 points in overtime, including the last four to help Norfolk State outlast Howard, 99-92 in double overtime in a wild Mid-Eastern Athletic men's game at Burr Gymnasium.

The two teams battled back and forth in the second extra stanza until Jordan Butler's layup at the 57 second mark gave the Spartans (11-13, 7-2 in the MEAC) what appeared to be some breathing room at 95-90.  Howard's Kofi Andoh narrowed the deficit to 95-92 on two free throws 17 seconds later to get the Bison to within 95-92.
That is, until Short put the game away by scoring a basket and converting two free throws over the last 15 seconds to give Norfolk State the hard-fought victory.

"It was a devastating loss for us," said a dejected Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "To fight the way we did to get back in it and have a chance to win and to come up short is real tough."

Howard (10-13, 4-4 in the MEAC) was in control and on the verge of the win when it led 86-82 with 11 seconds remaining on two free throws by Marcel Boyd in the first extra period.

Then Short did the unthinkable, knocking down a long three-pointer from straightaway and was fouled to boot.  The senior guard banked the free throw to complete the rare four-point play with six seconds remaining in the first overtime period.  Howard's Keon Hill was able to get off a shot but it missed and set up the second overtime.
           
"When we let them off the hook, it helped their confidence," said Nickelberry. "We turned the ball over at some inopportune times and they capitalized.  We have to make sure that we learn from this and when we are in this position again, we do not let it happen again."

The Spartans threatened to put the game away early when they opened a 12-point lead with less than 10 minutes left in regulation.
           
Then Howard's junior guard, James "J-Byrd" Daniel went to work and rallied his team.  The nation's leading scorer at 27 points per game, poured in 32 points in the second half and extra periods to bring his team back.
           
"We came out in the second half and dominated the boards and played with more energy," noted Nickelberry.  "But we have to fix some things.  You cannot turn the ball over 25 times and have a chance to win."
 
Norfolk State featured a balanced attack as D'Shon Taylor led the way with 22, Zaynah Robinson and Short each with 19 Alex Long with 12 off the bench.
           
The Bison were led by Daniel with a game-high 34, Damon Collins with 20, Marcel Boyd with a double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds and Tyler Stone with 18.

Howard held a huge rebounding advantage of 50-33 but the Bison gave up 32 points off 25 turnovers.  

The Bison have very little time to lament over the tough loss as they face Hampton University on Monday at 8 pm in Burr.  The Pirates, who were in first place but lost to Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday, will pose a strong threat.

"We have not had success against them of late," said Nickelberry.  "We have had chances but could not quite get it done against them.  I am sure they will come in with a chip on their shoulder, but hopefully this team will remember some of those close losses as well as this loss tonight and come out mad and ready to rebound from this."

GAME NOTES: Norfolk State's bench outscored Howard, 19-2…there were nine ties in the game. Norfolk State came in the game leading the MEAC in free throw shooting at 75 percent as a team, but the Spartans made only 68 percent (19 of 28) while the Bison who were second in the conference at 73 percent, hit on 34 of 38 for 90 percent…Daniel was a perfect 12 for 12.