PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (January 9, 2023) - Howard University got a career-high 23 points from Jelani Williams (Washington) and staged a gritty second half comeback, but in the end, the University of Maryland Shore (UMES) Hawks prevailed, 82-73, at the William P. Hytche Athletic Center.
 
The Bison (8-10, 1-1 in the MEAC) fell behind 15 at halftime and trailed as many as 17 in the second half before staging a strong rally. Williams, a 6-foot-5 graduate guard, was a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, including 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.
 
Second-year Bison guard Elijah Hawkins (Washington) added 17 and redshirt junior forward Steve Settle, III (Glenarden, Md.) chipped in with 13 points. 
 
"They were very physical and took us out of our offense," said Howard Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney. "We were stagnant and they forced us to play the clock and it resulted in us taking some bad shots."
 
After shooting 31 percent (7-for-23) in the first 20 minutes, Howard found the range, making 13-for-22 and almost 50-percent (6-for-14) from the three-point line. The Bison outscored the hosts, 50-44, in the second stanza.
 
"I like our tenacity in the second half," said Blakeney. "We played with a different sense of urgency. I like the fight we showed, but you can't fall that far behind and expect to win."
 
Howard shot a season-best 86-percent (26-for-29) from the charity stripe. Reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Week freshman forward Shy Odom (Chestnut Hill, Mass.) led the way, going 9-for-10 from the free throw line while sophomore guard Bryce Harris (Brentwood, N.Y.) recorded a career-high for blocked shots in the loss.
 
UMES (8-8, 1-1 in the MEAC) placed five players in double figures, led by Zion Styles with 15 points, followed by Kevon Voyles with 14 points and Troy Hempstead with 13 points off the bench.
 
The Bison have yet another tough challenge on the road when they travel to Norfolk, Va., to take on the defending MEAC Champs and preseason favorite Norfolk State Saturday (Jan. 14) at 4 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.