Washington, DC—James "JT" Miller scored 16 of his game-high 24 points in the second half but it was a key defensive play that helped Howard hold off Morgan State, 70-67 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game at Burr Gymnasium. The win snapped a six-game losing streak by the Bison (6-20, 3-8 in the MEAC and gave them their first home conference win of the season. 

A 6-4 red-shirt junior from Clinton, NC, Miller made all the plays that counted for Howard, proving to almost unstoppable with strong moves to the basket in which either he scored or went to the foul line. 

In the previous games during the skid, Howard has battled, but always seemed to have problems closing out games. But Miller made sure that it would not occur in this game as he scored seven of his team's last 11 points to deny the Bears (10-14, 7-4 in the MEAC) the victory. 

"The key to this win was that we followed the scout plan and executed it," said Miller, who leads the team in scoring. "It was a good win and something to build on." Miller was 7 of 13 from the floor while collecting 6 rebounds and two blocks, including the one that preserved the win. 

Once his team got the lead, it was Miller who refused to relinquish each time Morgan State would get close. With the Bison clinging to a one-point lead with 22 seconds remaining, the Bears took a shot deep in the lane, but it was Miller who came up with one of his two blocks that pretty much sealed the deal. Kofi Andoh was fouled following the block and the reserve senior guard calmly sank both free throw and gave his team a three-point cushion. The Bears were able to get off a shot but it went awry as the buzzer went off. 

Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry was relieved after the losing drought, but he intimated that there was special motivation for the team. The game was played in honor of Dr. Michael Honrychs, a former basketball who has ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigh's disease. Dr. Honrych attended the game in his wheelchair and was recognized for his work in the pregame. 

"This game was played in honor of Dr. Honrych," said Nickelberry. "ALS is such a horrible disease and because of his bringing awareness to it, we played this game for him." 

He continued. "Certainly, it was a big win for us. We will use it as a confidence and momentum builder." 

The Bison got important contributions from Charles "CJ" Williams (15 points, career-high 4 steals), Damon Collins (11 points, 5 assists, 3 steals) and Solomon "Solo" Mangham (8 points, 7 rebounds). 

Morgan State was led by Phillip Carr and reserve Antonio Gillespie with 15 each and Tiwian Kendley who added 10. 

NEXT UP: The Bison will go for two straight when they host North Carolina A&T on Saturday at 4 pm.