WASHINGTON (January 20, 2024) – Junior guard Bryce Harris (Brentwood, N.Y.) recorded a double-double (team-high 21 points & 11 rebounds), but a scoring drought over the last two minutes resulted in a 65-61 loss to Norfolk State (NSU) in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) game at Burr Gymnasium.
 
The loss snapped a 10-game home win streak in conference play for the Bison.
 
Howard (8-12, 2-2 MEAC) took control early and kept the Spartans (12-8, 2-1 MEAC) at arm's length. Harris led the Bison's charge with 12 points and five rebounds as his team led, 34-26, at intermission.
 
Howard shot a respectable 50-percent (10-of-20) and 83-percent (10-of-12) from the free throw line.
 
The Spartans were able to keep it close with second chance opportunities (nine offensive rebounds) and utilization of its bench, which outscored Howard, 12-7.
 
Howard came out to start the second half with a 15-7 run to take its biggest lead, 49-33, at the 10-minute mark.
 
Then, the Spartans scrapped and worked their way to a one-point deficit, 61-60, with 1:20 remaining. From there, Norfolk State parlayed a free throw by Chris Field, Jr., and a three-pointer and one free throw by Jamari Thomas to out the game away.
 
The Bison had their opportunities but some key turnovers and missed shots opened the door for the Spartans. Norfolk State held Howard to 36-percent shooting (9-of-25) in the second half while scoring 11 of their points off Howard turnovers.
 
Harris, a strong candidate for MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, added two blocks and a steal in 36 minutes.
 
Team leading scorer graduate forward Seth Towns (Columbus, Ohio) scored a season-low six points on 2-of-9 shooting from the floor. He came into the game averaging 15 points and eight rebounds.
 
Junior guard Marcus Dockery (Washington) tallied 11 points while sophomore Ose Okojie (Brampton, Canada) and graduate guard Joshua Strong (Brooklyn Park, MN) each finished with eight points in a losing cause.
 
The Spartans, who had lost three straight to the Bison, including last year's tournament final, were led by Allen Betrand and Jamari Thomas with 14 points each and Christian Ings chipped in 11 points.
 
NEXT UP: Howard returns to action Saturday (Jan. 27) when it travels to Baltimore to take on the Bears of Morgan State at 4 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.