Eugene, OR—December 20—Malik Hairston scored a game-high 22 points to lead five players in double figures as the University of Oregon thrashed Howard, 91-55 in a non-conference game at the MacArthur Center.
          The Ducks (6-4) bolted out to a 57-27 halftime lead by connecting on a sizzling 20 of 30 shots for 67 percent.  Hairston, Brandon Lincoln (15), Bruce Taylor (15) and Maarty Leunen (14 points) were able to get easy baskets against the Howard defense as Oregon recorded 25 assists on 35 of their field goals.
          The Bison (1-6), who were playing without their leader, senior point guard Louis Ford, got an outstanding performance from junior guard Darek “Skip” Mitchell, who poured in a team-high 20 points on 7 of 8 shooting from the field, including 6 of 7 from beyond the three-point line.
          Junior forward Darryl Hudson, who has played well most of the early season, had 14 points and 5 rebounds while freshman forward Eugene Myatt contributed 9 points and 8 rebounds in his second start.
          The Bison were especially hurt by the loss of Ford as they committed a season-high 23 turnovers and attempted only 6 free throws the entire game.
NEXT UP:  Howard travels to Chattanooga, TN to take on Mercer College in the first round of the Pepsi Cola Classic on December 29 at 6 p.m.