LEXINGTON, K.y. - Kobe Dickson scored a team-high 19 points and Elijah Hawkins chipped in with 14, but it was not enough as Howard dropped its season opener, 95-63 to 4th ranked Kentucky in Rupp Areana.

The Bison (0-1) were competitive early on and stayed within striking distance at 29-18 with just under eight minutes remaining in the first half.  That is when the Wildcats (1-0) reeled off a 20-8 run to pull away and lead at the half, 49-26.

"I thought we were a little overwhelmed in the first half," said Howard Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney following the game. "Playing a program with its rich history was probably a factor. We allowed our offense to be their offense by giving up too many transition baskets and open looks."

Kentucky used its height and depth to dominate Howard, forcing the Bison to miss 40 of their shots overall, including 17 miscues from beyond the arc.

Howard shot a respectable 77-percent (10-of-13) from the charity stripe, but that was offset by the Wildcats who shot 15 more free-throws while holding 48-38 advantage on the boards.

Thomas Settle, III contributed eight points and a team-high six rebounds. Freshman Shy Odom came off the bench in his college debut and tallied six points and five rebounds.

Kentucky had four players in double figures, led by Antonio Reeves with 22, CJ Frederick with 20, Cason Wallace with 15 and eight rebounds and Jacob Toppin with a double-double of 15 and 11 rebounds.

As for the takeaway from the game, Blakeney says: "I thought the bright spot was the play of Kobe. He was like a grown man out there tonight. I am extremely happy for him because he has worked his butt off."

The Bison return to Washington, DC where they will host the University of the District of Columbia on Wednesday at 7 pm in Burr.

Adds Blakeney, "As we move forward, we have to understand that it is not going to be easy.  We have this game under our belt and now we will move forward."