WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Howard University Bison men's basketball team lost to Belmont University 78-95 in the season-opener for both teams, Thursday in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to open the 2020 D.C. Paradise Jam presented by the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Freshman Rahim Ali, Jr. (14pts, 7rebs,5assists) and Makur Maker (11pts, 8rebs,2assists, block) paced the new look Bison. In total, eight new Bison made their debut for Howard tonight. 

Steve Settle(12), Kyle Foster(10), and Isaac Suffren(10) joined Ali and Maker in double-figure. 

Maker got it started for the Bison, scoring the first six of eight points giving Howard a glimpse of what's to come this season. Howard took an early 8-4 lead when Belmont stymied the Bison offense forcing five turnovers over 11 minutes, going on a 25-10 run to take a 29-18 lead with 6:36 left in the first half. 

The Bruins built a 21-point lead going into intermission. 

Belmont cruised to the final stanza, defeating the Bison 95-78. 

Belmont forced 17 turnovers, outrebounded Howard, 44-34, and held a 50-32 advantage in points in the paint.

Howard (0-1) returns to action Friday vs. DII powerhouse Queen College (N.C.). Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3 and the ESPN app.