WASHINGTON (December 9, 2017) – Coach Kevin Nickelberry and the Howard University Men's Basketball team dropped its crosstown matchup at American (AU), 74-63, inside Bender Arena.
 
After shooting a respectable 41-percent (12-of-29) in the first half, HU (1-10) could not sustain as they shot 36-percent (12-of-33) after intermission.
 
"We got out to a fast tonight," said Nickelberry. "But we had a rash of turnovers and missed shots that allowed them to get back into the game."
 
Sophomore Charles Williams and freshman RJ Cole combined for 33 points. Williams, reigning conference layer of the week, recorded a team-high 18 points and five boards while Cole, selected league rookie of the week Tuesday (Dec. 5), chipped in 15 points, six dimes, and five rebounds before fouling out.

Moments after intermission, senior Dalique Mingo completed a three-point play and put the Bison ahead, 32-31. AU responded with a 17-6 run and took a double-digit lead after a layup from Cheikh Diallo, 48-38.
 
Howard fought back and sliced the margin as low as six after a trey ball from Cole with under five minutes left, 61-55. Despite the late surge, American kept HU at bay and extended its lead to double-digits for the final four minutes.

Newcomer Zion Cousins, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Defensive Player of the Week, provided a team-best 10 boards and six points in 35 minutes of action.
 
American jumped out to an early 9-2 advantage until the Bison went on a 22-2 spurt, capped off by a layup from Jalen Jones, 24-11. With under 10 minutes before halftime, the Eagles chipped away at the deficit.
 
After Mingo connected on both free throws, 27-18, AU answered with a 13-2 run to close out the half while regaining the lead, 31-29.
 
"Not that it feels good because it doesn't, but I have to stick with what I said before the game," Nickelberry added. "I have to trust the process and realize that this young group will be up and down sometimes and we will have some games like this. We'll get back to it and keep working so that we can be better next time out."
 
For AU (3-6), they finished shooting 43-percent (23-of-54), including 51-percent (14-of-27) after the break. Larry Motuzis had a game-high 29 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the floor. Sa'eed Nelson added 21 points and six dimes in the victory.
 
Thursday (Dec. 14), Howard hosts Washington Adventist inside Burr Gymnasium. Game-time is slated for 6 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.