New York, NY---The inability to score and some long scoring droughts proved to be the difference as Howard University dropped its fifth straight, 66-48 to Columbia in a non-conference game at the Levien Center. 

The Bison (3-13, 0-1 in the MEAC) never could get much going as they fell behind early and struggled to get anything going on the offensive end. Red-shirt junior guard James "JT" Miller led the way with a high of 12 points on 5 of 7 shooting while the rest of the team missed 22 of 25 as Howard trailed 33-21 at the half. 

The Bison did make it close early when it reduced the margin to 14-13. There were chances to take the lead but they failed to convert on three straight possessions. The Lions (6-7, 0-0 in the Ivy League) put the game away with a 10-0 run over a four-minute stretch. 

James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III struggled. After pouring in 24 points in his season debut against Florida A&M, the senior guard finished with 10 points on 3 of 11 shooting from the field as he and Miller, who finished with 15 points, were the only players to get into double figures. 

Columbia did not shoot the ball especially well (36 percent), but they held a huge advantage on the boards, 59-40, in points-in-the-paint (32-10) and second chance points (21-8). 

The Bison's problems were compounded further as they shot a season-low 21 percent from the free throw line. 

"The game came down to missed free throws by us again and second chance opportunities which they were able to capitalize on," lamented Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry. "We held them to one field goal during a 10-minute stretch, but we did not take advantage of it."

Columbia had 10 players score and were led by Nate Hickman with 14 and Jeff Coby with 13. The Bison did manage 13 assists on their 18 made baskets with Daniel leading the way with four. 

"I feel that when the game was on the line, they made some contested shots and we missed those same shots," noted Nickelberry. "You won't win many Division 1 basketball games scoring only 48 points. We have to use this week to get some much-needed practice time with Daniel and Miller so we can get a better flow."

NEXT UP: The Bison resume MEAC play when they travel to Princess Anne, MD to take on the Hawks of Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday at 4 pm.