WASHINGTON, D.C. – Both North Carolina Central University and Howard had hot-shooting halves during the contest, but the Bison were able to build and hold on to an early lead on the way to a 77-67 win inside Burr Gymnasium on Saturday, Feb. 26.
 
Howard (15-11, 8-4 MEAC) led for the majority of the contest, bolstered by a 16-2 start over NCCU (14-13, 7-4 MEAC) in the first six and a half minutes.  The Bison shot 65.4 percent as a team with five three pointers in the first 20 minutes, and that allowed them to take a 44-28 lead over the Eagles at the break.
 
NCCU took its turn to get hot in the second half with a 56.0 percent success rate, and outscored the Bison, 39-33, in the second period.  Even with the second-half run, Howard was able to hold off NCCU down the stretch for the 77-67 decision.
 
Eric Boone (Lexington, Ky.) scored a game- and season-high 29 points for the Eagles; and, he evenly split his scoring with 14 points in the first half, and 15 in the second.  Kris Monroe (Raleigh, N.C.) had a near double-double with 13 points and nine boards, and Marque Maultsby (Raleigh, N.C.) was solid with 10 points and five caroms.
 
Howard had four players reach double-digits, led by Elijah Hawkins (Washington, D.C.) with 17 points.  Kyle Foster (Hampton, Va.) generated 15 points with six rebounds, and both Randy Brumant (Houston, Texas) and Khalil Robinson (Columbia, S.C.) scored 11 points.
 
NCCU will play its final road game of the regular season on Monday, Feb. 28 at Norfolk State.
 
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