DURHAM, N.C. (February 19, 2018) – Howard University Men's Basketball team ran into a hot shooting North Carolina Central (NCCU) squad on nationally televised ESPNU. HU fell to the Eagles, 83-66, inside McDougald-McLendon Arena.
 
Freshman star RJ Cole showcased his skills in front of a national audience, posting a game-high 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting.
 
North Carolina Central begin the second half on a 13-6 run and extended its halftime advantage to double-digits, 50-36.
 
HU responded and sliced the margin down to nine on multiple occasions but was unable to get any closer.
 
Sophomore Charles Williams recorded 18 points in 36 minutes of action.
 
After the Eagles jumped out to an early 11-2 advantage, the Bison went on a 7-0 spurt and cut the deficit down to a one-possession game at the 14:46 mark, 11-9.
 
NCCU answered with a 19-7 run and held its largest lead of the half, 30-16, but Howard refused to go away as they closed the period on a 14-7 burst.
 
NCCU (14-13, 8-5 MEAC) shot 57-percent (32-of-56) from the floor, including a scorching 63-percent (17-of-27) after intermission. Five Eagles registered double-figures, led by Dominique Reid with 16 points off the bench.
 
HU returns to The Burr for their final two home games of the year.
 
Saturday (Feb. 24), Howard hosts Delaware State. Tip-off at 4 p.m. Monday (Feb. 26), the Bison meet Norfolk State. Game-time is slated for 7 p.m. on ESPNU.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.