Boxscore

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Eugene Myatt poured in a career-tying 41 points to lead Howard University (8-19 overall, 6-7 in the MEAC) to an 81-74 win over Coppin State in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's game at Burr Gymnasium.

A 6-5 senior guard from Philadelphia, Pa., Myatt came out on fire to start the game, hitting on 7-of-9 from the field, including 6-of-8 from three-point range and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line to help the Bison take a 42-25 lead at the half.

"I thought it was one of his best performances," said Howard Coach Coach Gil Jackson.  "He played within the framework of the offense, he got players involved and he played some outstanding defense."

Mostly due to Myatt's 25-point offensive explosion, the Bison shot a season best 67 percent from the field in the first half that had Coppin State (11-17 overall, 8-6 in the MEAC) reeling.  Equally important was the team defense played by Howard that forced the Eagles to miss 20 of their 30 shots taken for 33 percent.

"It was very important to get up early on a team like Coppin because they like to dictate tempo," said Jackson.  "They play with a lot of confidence when they are ahead.  Getting up on them like that early was huge."

Coppin State made some runs in the second half on the scoring of their all-time leading scorer, senior guard Tywain McKee, who tallied 23 of his team-high 28 after intermission and from reserves Mike Buckley (16) and Vince Goldsberry (eight), who combined for 24 second half points.

But Myatt and junior guard Curtis White (11 of his 17 in the second half) made sure that the Eagles would not sweep the season series.

"When we played them in the first game, we did not have Eugene," said Coach Jackson.  "We had the crowd and we were very well rested for this game."

Buckley finished with 18 and Goldsberry with 10.    

GAME NOTES:  Myatt scored 41 against VMI in November 2007...Adam Walker had a solid game with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocked shots for the Bison...Myatt missed the first game at Coppin with a back injury.

NEXT UP:  The Eagles host UMES on Saturday at 4 p.m. while the Bison travel to Greensboro, N.C. to take on the streaking Aggies of North Carolina A&T, who have won seven in a row since losing at Howard earlier in the month.  That game tips off at 4 p.m. at Corbett Sports Arena.