ATLANTA (November 13, 2024) – Guards Blake Harper (Washington) and Bryce Harris (Brentwood, N.Y.) combined to score all 13 of the Howard University men's basketball team points in overtime, propelling the Bison in defeating Tennessee State (TSU), 88-85, in the HBCU All-Star Challenge in Atlanta.
 
The game was a nip-and-tuck affair with neither team able to get an advantage. There were 10 ties and seven lead changes. The Tigers made a late push in regulation to send the game into overtime, tied at 75.
 
Thats is when Harper, the reigning MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Rookie of the Week, went to work, nailing back-to-back three pointers during a 29-second span to give Howard (2-2) an 81-75 advantage at the 4:24 mark of the extra period.
 
The Tigers (1-3) answered with Brandon Weston converting on two free throws to cut the lead to four, 81-77, at the 4:10 mark.
 
Harris then scored the first of his six points in the extra frame to maintain a six-point lead, 83-77, with 3:22 on the clock. TSU got a basket from Carlous Williams to reduce the deficit, 83-79, with 2:35 on the clock.
 
Blake responded, hitting one-of-two free throws to make it 84-79 with 2:21 on the clock.  Joshua Jackson of TSU answered a minute later with a basket to pull within a one-possession game, 84-81.
 
Then Harris, the MEAC Preseason Player of the Year, sealed the deal for the Bison, scoring on a power move and then adding two free throws during a 24-second span. Williams hit a three pointer for TSU at the buzzer to close out the scoring.
 
For the game, the Bison had five players in double figures.
 
Harper led the way with 18 points while Harris notched a double-double (17 points & 11 rebounds). Senior guard Marcus Dockery (Washington) added 15 points and four assists. Junior forward Dom Campbell (Scarborough, Maine) registered 15 points off the bench and graduate guard Anwar Gill (Washington) produced 12 points and six dimes.
 
The Bison bench outscored the Tigers, 23-11.
 
The Tigers were led by Weston with a game-high 26 points and 11 rebounds. Justus Jackson with 22 points and Aaron Nkrumah netted 12 points.
 
NEXT UP:  Howard travels to Miami to take FIU Monday (Nov. 20) at 7 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.