LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- James "J-Byrd" Daniel poured in a game-high 30 points, but it was the contributions of some unusual suspects that proved to be the difference as Howard University defeated Texas Southern University 87-81 in the Men Who Speak Up tournament at the MGM Grand. With the victory, the Bison advance to the championship round of the Middleweight Division against the University of Central Arkansas on Wednesday at 6 pm.
"This was a gritty, physical game that showed me that this team can deal with and win in adverse situations," said Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry.
Daniel, the nation's leading scorer coming into the game at 28.7 per game, did his usual, tallying 18 of his points in the first half to give his team a 47-42 advantage at the half. His backcourt mate, James "JT" Miller, who was averaging 20 points per game, got into early foul trouble and was never a factor as he fouled out with 5 points.
So the Bison (2-2) needed someone to step up and boy did they get it from the junior trio of Damon Collins, Tyler Stone and Marcel Boyd.
Collins picked up the slack, tallying nine of his career-high 17 points in the first 20 minutes while Boyd chipped in with 8 of his 10 points as Howard led by as many as 13 before the Tigers (0-4) would make a run to narrow the gap at the intermission.
"Daniel really got us going early and gave us some confidence," said Nickelberry. "Collins and Boyd took it from there, Boyd inside and Collins from the outside
The Bison were able to maintain control early in the second half despite Daniel going scoreless for more than 10 minutes. That is when Stone and Solomon "Solo" Mangham began to make their presence felt. Stone scored all 10 of his points in the second half with 8 of 9 coming from the free throw line. He also grabbed six rebounds and blocked two shots in one of his more productive all-around performances.
Mangham, who finished with 8 points off the bench, knocked down a big three when Texas Southern got close and had actually taken the lead.
The Bison would close out the win as Daniel converted on 5 of 6 free throws and Boyd scored on a tip-in off an inbounds play with a second left on the shot clock.
"This was one of those games where we were in control early and found a way to win with major foul trouble, especially with Miller," noted Nickelberry. "We had a lot of guys step up in the second half and not allow us to lose this game. Tyler made some huge plays down the stretch on offense and defense including some big free throws."
It was also a team effort on the boards as Boyd led the way with 8 while Collins and Stone each had 6 and Kofi Andoh with 5 off the bench.
The Tigers were led by Malcolm Riley with 26, David Blanks with 17 and Jose Rodriguez and Orlando Coleman with 13 each.
GAME NOTES: There were a total of 57 fouls called and 76 free throws attempted…Daniel has now scored 30 or more points for the third time in four games…the talented junior, who came into the game, second in the country in steals, added three more to his stat line to go along with 3 assists in 37 minutes of play.
BOX SCORE
COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON SPORTS INFORMATION
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