WASHINGTON, D.C. – North Carolina Central University held an 11-point second half advantage over host Howard University and all five NCCU starters scored double figures, but the Eagles missed nine free throws and committed 11 turnovers after intermission to allow the Bison to rally for a 71-67 men's basketball victory on Saturday evening inside Burr Gymnasium.

Howard (13-10, 5-1 MEAC) raced out to a 20-9 cushion in the opening 12 minutes of the contest. The visiting Eagles responded with a 21-9 spurt to take a 30-29 lead into the locker room.

NCCU (10-10, 3-3 MEAC) continued the run after the break, out-scoring the Bison 18-8 to take a 48-37 edge with 14:21 remaining. 

However, Howard closed the ballgame with a 34-17 scoring advantage. During that time, NCCU made just 3-of-12 free throws and committed nine turnovers. In addition, post players Kris Monroe and Brendan Medley-Bacon were forced to the Eagles' bench with foul trouble.

Medley-Bacon topped NCCU's scoring effort with 15 points, followed by Justin Wright with 14 points, Eric Boone with 13 points, Marque Maultsby with 12, and Monroe with 11. Boone also tallied six assists, five rebounds and two steals, while Wright grabbed a team-best seven rebounds.

Howard was led by Elijah Hawkins with 17 points and 10 assists.

Up next, NCCU visits Norfolk State on Monday, Jan. 30, on ESPNU at 7 p.m.

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