Washington, DC---The Howard University men's basketball team is feeling pretty good about themselves after defeating the Hawks of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 74-66 on Saturday. The win ended a five-game losing skid, but more importantly put the Bison back into what figures to competitive MEAC race. 

There are a lot of positives that came out the game: the play of freshman guard CJ Williams, who led his team with 17 points and got them off to a fast start. 

Then there is the second half play of JT Miller, who helped extend the lead with his scoring early. There was also strong contributions from seniors Solomon "Solo" Mangham on the boards, Marcel Boyd on defense and rebounding and all-around play in the second half from Damon Collins. 

The surprise contributions came from some unexpected quarters. Senior guard Kofi Andoh, senior forward Tyler Stone, senior guard Chuck Smith and sophomore center Cameron Lewis. 

Andoh challenged UMES with his energy and drives to the basket to draw fouls. Stone played a key role in the last minutes by hitting on all four free throw attempts and getting a big assist to Collins when the Hawks were threatening their comeback. Smith, a senior guard, who has played sparingly, played 11 solid minutes and scored 3 points while also getting an assist and a steal. And Lewis, who has had increased playing time of late, spelled Boyd so he could be fresh down the stretch. 

But this is college basketball and there is little time to relish the victory as the Bison take on a dangerous Coppin State team on Monday at 4 pm in Burr. 

"Enjoy the win but we have to quickly lock in and get ready for a tough challenge against Coppin State," warned Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry following the game. 

The Eagles (4-15, 3-1 in the MEAC) are one of the surprise teams in the league, coming into the game having won three of their last four, the most recent, a 75-73 win over NC A&T at home on Saturday. The two teams split last year, each winning on its home court. 

Game Notes: /documents/2017/1/16//MBBALL_Notes_18.pdf?id=511

NEXT UP: Howard takes to the road for the Tobacco Road swing when it takes on rival North Carolina A&T on Saturday at 4 pm in Corbett Sports Arena. They will then travel over to Durham, NC on Monday where they will play the Eagles of North Carolina Central at 7:30 pm.