WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard University Bison fell short, 60-55 in their upset bid to the Harvard University Crimson Sunday afternoon in Burr Gymnasium.

The Crimson stormed out the gate on a 10-2 run in the first five minutes of the contest, by playing an uptempo offense and controlling the paint.

A three-pointer by Nate Garvey stopped the bleeding, closing the gap 10-5 with 14:13 on the clock.

Howard slowed the pace, going on a 16-9 run to take a 21-19 lead off a Nate Garvey connection from beyond the arc.

The Bison forced a turnover and converted it into a fast break buck-it to extend the lead, 23-19.

After a quick timeout by Harvard, the Crimson went on a 6-0 run, to take a 25-23 lead, when Nate Garvey hit another long ball to recapture the lead, 26-25 with four minutes left in the first half.

Howard would trade baskets with Harvard to the end of intermission, going into halftime tied at 31.

Nate Garvey paced the  Bison in the first half, scoring 11-points sinking three three-pointers and dishing out two assists. Khalil Robinson and Wayne Bristol Jr. combined for seven steals.  

Charles 'CJ' Williams led the Bison out of intermission, recording nine points keeping pace with Harvard as the two squads traded baskets in the first ten minutes of the second half.

With three minutes left in regulation, Garvey knocked down another long ball, this time from the wing to close the game 54-52. That was the closest the Bison would get as the Crimson closed the game on a 6-3 run to escape with a 60-55 victory.

Howard held Harvard to 13.6 percent (3-of-22) from beyond the arc and forced 20 turnovers, converting 18 points off those turnovers. Harvard took advantage of Howard in the paint recording 32 points to Howard's 20. Harvard bench outscored the Bison 32-5.

Williams recorded 18 points and six rebounds. Nate Garvey was the other lone Bison to score in double-digit recording a career-high 16-points. Khalil Robinson recorded a career-high four steals. Zion Cousins led Howard with seven rebounds.

UP NEXT:

Howard will conclude 2019, December 30 versus the University of Pennsylvania, for a 7 p.m. scheduled tip-off.