MIAMI (November 18, 2024) – Graduate forward Cameron Shockley-Okeke (Norwalk, Conn.) scored all of his career-high 21 points in the first half, but it was the clutch scoring of senior guard Marcus Dockery (Washington) with 16 second half points that proved to be the difference as the Howard University men's basketball team downed Florida International University (FIU), 75-70, in a nonconference game at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
 
Shockley was 7-of-8 from the field, including 5-of-6 from beyond the arc in the first 20 minutes.
 
The Bison appeared to go take early control, opening a 30-23 lead at the five-minute mark before the Panthers stormed back with a 12-5 run to tie the game at halftime, 35-35.
 
Then Howard (3-2) began to use its depth and balance to keep the hosts at bay. Graduate guard Anwar Gill (Washington) had another one of his quietly effective all-around performances with 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists (team-high) and two steals. Then, there was senior guard and MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Preseason Player of the Year Bryce Harris (14 points & six rebounds) and freshman Blake Harper (nine points & nine rebounds) who kept the pesky Panthers at bay.
 
Each time, FIU (1-3) would get close, one of the Bison would come up with a big rebound or clutch basket. Still, the Panthers kept the score within two possessions until Dockery took over down the stretch, tallying five of his team's last seven points on a three-point basket and two free throws to close out the scoring and give Howard its third straight victory.
 
For the game, Howard registered 19 assists on 27 made field goals, won the rebounding battle, 42-32, and outscored the FIU bench, compliments of Dockery, 39-34.
 
The Panthers were led by Jaden Brewer with 15 points and Asim Jones and Travis Gray, contributing 12 points each in a losing cause.
 
NEXT UP: Howard travels to Baltimore to compete in the UMBC Multi-Team Event, hosted by the Retrievers. Sunday (Nov. 24), the Bison take on Boston University. The following day (Nov. 25), HU squares off against UMBC. Both contests are scheduled for noon.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.