BALTIMORE, Maryland -- James "J-Byrd" Daniel scored a game-high 19 points and James "JT" Miller and James "JC" Carlton added 18 and 10, respectively to lead Howard University (3-3) to a 68-54 win over the University of Maryland Baltimore County at the RAC.Daniel, who suffered a thigh contusion in the last game and was doubtful up until game time, got the Bison going by scoring 12 of his points in the first 20 minutes. With the attention focused on Daniel, Miller stepped up as Howard led 26-19 at the half.
"J-Byrd was doubtful for the game but he pushed through his thigh contusion and he and JT led the charge early for us," said Howard Coach Kevin Nickelberry.
Added UMBC assistant coach John Zito, following the game, "We knew going in that we had to stop Daniel but he got them going. His play was key for them early."
Buoyed by the play of Daniel and Miller, Carlton, Damon Collins and Jared Norsworthy began to contribute and resulted in a 28-16 second half run that opened a 17-point lead and all but decided the outcome.
The Bison defense and rebounding were also keys. Howard forced the Retrievers (0-4) into a 2 for 15 shooting from beyond the arc. The Bison swarming defense forced too many scoring droughts. Howard held a 38-28 advantage on the boards.
"I'm very proud of this group of young men," said Nickelberry. "They played in another loud arena, but you could tell they learned from earlier losses. They started the game with the mentality that no matter what we were coming out with a victory. A very solid performance on the road and relieved to break the non-conference losing streak."
Collins finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds, Norsworthy with 6 points and 5 rebounds in 10 minutes off the bench and Carlton with a team-high 8 rebounds.
UMBC was led by Aaron Morgan with 13 and Charles Taylor and Jourdan Grant with 11 and 10, respectively.
NEXT UP: Howard will look to go above .500 when it hosts Gwynedd Mercy University at 4 pm Saturday in Burr Gymnasium.
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