WASHINGTON (February 26, 2018) – Howard University Men's Basketball team was unable to overcome a tough shooting night as they lost to Norfolk State (NSU), 79-74, inside Burr Gymnasium in front of a raucous crowd on nationally televised ESPNU.
HU (9-22, 6-9 MEAC) shot only 31-percent (22-of-70) from the floor, including 28-percent (10-of-36) from long range. Despite the shots not falling, Howard attacked the rim and reached the charity stripe 27 times and connected 74-percent (20-of-27).
"We found a way to stay around," said Howard Men's Basketball head coach
Kevin Nickelberry. "They're a very talented, tall athletic team. We were going into the game under matched, but when [Marcus] Hall went down with a dislocated shoulder, that put us in a huge disadvantage rebounding the basketball. It came down to rebounding and missing a lot of free throws."
Sophomore
Marcus Hall played all five minutes in the first half before leaving with a dislocated shoulder. The Atlanta native will be out indefinitely.
Second-year guard
Charles Williams led all scorers with a season-high 32 points. The Richmond product lived at the foul line, shooting 93-percent (13-of-14) on the night.
A few minutes into the second, redshirt junior
Jalen Jones gave HU the lead, 41-39, but the Spartans responded and took back the upper hand after a layup from Bryan Gellineau, 43-41.
With under 12 remaining, both squads were deadlocked, 53-53, until the Spartans went on a 17-9 run over the next six minutes and held its largest lead of the game, 70-62.
Howard gradually chipped at the deficit and found themselves with a chance to tie in the waning moments, but a three-pointer missed long; thus, NSU sealed the deal with a pair of freebies, 79-74.
Freshman star
RJ Cole played all 40 minutes where he racked up 21 points, seven dimes, four steals, and four boards in the loss.
Jones had a team-best 11 rebounds in a losing effort.
Norfolk State led all 20 minutes in the first half. NSU had a seven-point advantage on multiple occasions, but the Bison fought back and sliced the margin as low as one several times. Howard trailed at the break, 35-31.
NSU (13-17, 11-4 MEAC) shot a respectable 46-percent (28-of-61) from the field while outscoring the Bison inside, 40-12. Alex Long and Preston Bungei each recorded a double-double while Kyle Williams netted 10 points in the victory.
On March 1, Howard finishes the regular season at Coppin State. Game-time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
