WASHINGTON (October 28, 2021) – Howard University Men's Basketball team started off the season with a bang, winning 84-80 in an exhibition contest against Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association opponent Virginia State (VSU) inside The Burr.
 
The Bison struggled in the first half with turnovers and gave VSU a 49-38 advantage at the break; however, freshman guard Bryce Harris (Brentwood, N.Y.) led the turnaround and carried the young ambitious team to victory with 18 points, six rebounds and four steals.
 
In the second half, Virgina native senior Kyle Foster (Hampton) began the comeback with a three-pointer and closed the margin to single digits, 53-46.
 
Redshirt sophomore Steve Settle, III (Glenarden, Md.) accompanied Foster's efforts, finishing with 17 points, three boards and a pair of assists.
 
With less than nine minutes remaining, HU made an assertive push spearheaded by Harris to move within one, 60-59. Howard kept the momentum going, creating several turnovers.
 
Although the Bison struggled with staying out of foul trouble, they finished 73-percent (24-of-32) from the charity stripe and utilized every single possession to finish out on top.
 
Harris' two made free throws gave the Bison an 81-79 lead with 42 seconds left in the game, which the Trojans could not recover from.
 
Graduate Tai Bibbs (Chicago) recorded 14 points while DMV native Deven Richmond (Bowie) added 11 points in the victory.
 
For VSU, Francis Fitzgerald scored a game-high 25 points in the loss.
 
Next, the Bison face Bowie State in another exhibition game Monday (Nov. 1) in Burr Gymnasium. Tip-off at 7 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.