WASHINGTON (February 19, 2024) - Howard staged a furious second half rally, cutting an 18-poiint deficit to two but in the end, some deft free throw shooting down the stretch helped South Carolina State escape with a 75-68 win over Howard in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's game at Burr Gymnasium
 
The first half was a back-and-forth affair with each team getting mini runs.  The Bison were able to take a three-point halftime lead at 35-32 on a Dockery basket to end the half.
 
The Bulldogs came out and set the tone for the second half, reeling off a 30-9 run in the first 10 minutes to open the biggest lead at 62-44 at the 10:29 mark.
 
The balanced Bulldogs had seven different SC State players contributed the scoring barrage.
 
Then Howard turned up the heat and went on a 22-6 run of its own, reducing the deficit to 68-66 with1:05 on the clock.
 
But the Bison ran out of gas and missed opportunities.  SC State capitalized and finished off the game, converting on seven of eight free throws to put the game away.
 
Howard, who was coming off a huge win over North Carolina Central on Saturday, got 15 from graduate forward Seth Towns, 14 from junior guard Bryce Harris and 13 from junior guard Marcus Dockery, with all coming in the first half.  Sophomore forward Shyheim "Shy" Odom contributed 11 points off the bench.
 
A key to the game was points off turnovers where SC State turned into 19 points.  The Bulldogs, who used their subs liberally, outscored Howard 38-20.
 
SC State was led by Michael Teal (15 points), 12 from Omar Croskey and 14 and 12 respectively from reserves Michael Taylor and Drayton Jones.
 
NEXT UP: Howard hosts Morgan State next Saturday at 4 pm in Burr Gymnasium.