WASHINGTON (December 13, 2022) - The Howard University men's basketball team played its best all-around game of the season, placing four players in double figures and using two big runs to defeats Florida International University (FIU), 71-59, in a non-conference game at Burr Gymnasium.
 
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Bison.
 
It took Howard (5-8) a while to get started as the Panthers bolted out to a 5-0 lead that they maintained for almost four minutes.
 
Then, junior forward Steve Settle, III (Glenarden, Md.), who is arguably one of the top all-around players in the conference, asserted himself with his ability to score at three levels, to defend with his shot blocking and his work on the boards. Settle finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double.
 
"My role on the team is a lot different from last year," Settle explained, an All-MEAC Preseason Second Team selection. "It is important that I get things going when we start slow. I'm playing more minutes and I am usually guarding the other team's best player, which is what I like most about my new role. If I continue to make strides and learn something each game, I'll be right where I want to be by the end of the season."
 
It allowed the Bison to go on a spurt that saw them go from 30-26 lead at intermission to 42-31 less than five minutes into the second half.
 
Settle's presence opened the door for teammates junior forward Jordan Wood (San Antonio/15 points), sophomore guard Marcus Dockery (Washington/nine points and four rebounds in 15 minutes) and freshman forward Shy Odom (Chatsworth, Calif.) to take turns. 
 
Despite Howard's strong all-around play, FIU (4-5) refused to wilt and managed a run of its own and cut the deficit to 47-42 at the 9:17 mark.
 
But the Bison, mainly on the play of Odom, who came off the bench to score a career-high 14 points, reeled off a 10-0 run during a three-minute stretch and FIU was forced to play catchup the rest of the way.
 
"After being out with health issues, I'm grateful to be back on the court," said the talented freshman, who played his prep ball at nationally renowned Sierre Canyon. "I just wanted to stay sharp so that when I came back on the court, I could contribute. Just having the leadership from the older guys on the team helped me with my confidence."
 
Sophomore guard Elijah Hawkins (Washington) made sure the victory was secure as he tallied seven of his 13 points in the final three minutes.
 
FIU was led by Denver Jones, who led all scorers with 21 points, and Pete Krivokapic, who added 13 off the bench.
 
Howard travels to Cambridge, Mass., to take on Harvard Sunday at noon.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.