Norfolk, VA—James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III poured in 15 of his game-high 22 points in the second half and Marcel Boyd recorded a double double, but a poor shooting night from the free throw line was too much to overcome as Howard fell, 68-66 to North Carolina Central in the opening round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament at the Scope Arena. The Bison (12-20) end their season as a result of the disappointing loss.
The game almost mirrored the regular season game in Durham in December with the ebbs and flows. Howard won that game, 71-69 on a last second shot by Daniel.
The Eagles (13-18) had a slight edge early as Kyle Benton came off the bench to score 12 of his 15 points and grab eight rebounds in the first 20 minutes. Howard countered with Daniel, Damon Collins and Boyd, who combined for 20 points among them and trail 32-30 at intermission.
Neither team was able to get a real advantage although the Eagles once led by eight, the biggest lead of the game. Daniel, the nation's leading scorer went from playmaker to scorer in the second half and he received support from Boyd, who had 10 points and 11 rebounds.
First North Carolina Central went on a mini run after Daniel tied the score at 55 with 6:54 remaining. Dante Holmes and Patrick Cole scored to give their team a 64-60 lead at the 2:13 mark. Daniel made one of two free throws and later hit a long bomb that tied the game again at 64 at the 1:37 mark.
Holmes scored on a putback, but the Bison countered with a Boyd dunk that tied the game again, this time at 66 with 11 seconds on the clock.
Cole was fouled but made only one of two free throws. It gave Howard the possession so Daniel streaked down the court and drew three defenders before finding teammate Keon Hill in the corner for an open jumper but it missed and Kyle Benton got the rebound and was fouled, sending him to the line where he made one of two to close out the game and end the Bison's season.
"We knew that it was going to a physical game," said a dejected Howard coach Kevin Nickelberry. "The game plan was to limit Holmes and Madison's plays that they make that can hurt you."
From an offensive standpoint, Daniel was able to get better looks in the second half while Boyd proved to be an even bigger force. "Boyd controlled the glass with 18 rebounds and we put in some plays for J-Byrd to counteract the box and ones and double teams that we anticipated from them."
Howard came into the game as one of the top free shooting teams in the conference at 74 percent, but they made only 10 of 24 for their poorest effort of the season.
"Sometimes you have bad night and unfortunately, this was one for us," said Nickelberry. "When your best free throw shooter (Daniel at 86 percent) makes only 3 of 7, what can you say. It was a bad night all around for us in that area."
Boyd finished with 16 points and a career-high 18 rebounds to go along with two blocks, despite severe leg cramps that had him limping and going to the bench for treatment.
Daniel, who was honored in the pre-game for being voted MEAC Player of the Year and first team all-conference selection, was 8 of 16 and added 6 assists while Collins chipped in with 15 points.
The Eagles were led by Benton with 15 off the bench, Rashaun Madison with 14, C.J. Wiggins with 11 and Holmes with 10.
