BOONE, N.C. (December 4, 2018) – Howard University Men's Basketball team returned to the hardwood after more than a week away where they fell on the road at Appalachian State, 100-86, inside the Holmes Center.
 
With the setback, HU dropped to 5-3 overall while the Mountaineers moved to 3-5 on the season.
 
App State controlled the glass by outrebounding HU, 49-32, with several key players in foul trouble before intermission.
 
"We got into foul trouble early with our big guys," said Howard Men's Basketball head coach Kevin Nickelberry. "That hurt us on the glass because we had to go small. Zion [Cousins], Savior [Akuwovo Ogheneyole], and Andre [Torre] each had two fouls in the first half. That took our aggressiveness away."
 
Despite putting Appalachian State at the foul line 23 times, Howard had more attempts at the charity stripe, but only shot 64-percent (18-of-28) on the night.
 
"We didn't take advantage of our free throw opportunities," Nickelberry expressed. "They fouled us. They made their free throws and we didn't."
 
Four Bison reached double figures, led by Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason First-Team selections junior Charles Williams (Richmond, Va.) and sophomore guard RJ Cole (Union, N.J.) with a team-leading 19 points apiece.
 
Redshirt junior Chad Lott (Shreveport, La.) added 16 points on 50-percent shooting (7-of-14) while newcomer Andre Toure (Paris, France) produced 14 points before fouling out.
 
For App State, they remain undefeated at home (3-0) while producing five Mountaineers in double figures. Guards Justin Forrest and Rashad Shabazz registered 21 points each in the victory.
 
"It's a tough place to play," Nickelberry added. "They're a good team despite what their record might say. It was a long trip and guys had exams as they were getting ready for the game. But this is a good group and they'll be ready to play American Saturday."
 
After nearly a month away, Coach Nickelberry and the Bison return to Burr Gymnasium where they will host crosstown rival American. Game-time is set for 4 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.