Boxscore

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dadrian Collins and Calvin Thompson combined to score 13 of the last 16 points down the stretch to help Howard University pull away to a 59-53 win over Coppin State University in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's game at Burr Gymnasium.

First Collins, a 6-5 freshman forward from Williamsburg, Va., scored on a three pointer to give the Bison (3-14 overall, 2-1 in the MEAC) a 46-42 lead.  After a five-minute scoring drought between both teams, Sam Coleman got Coppin State to within 46-44 at the 6:39 mark.  Mike Phillips hit one of two from the free throw line for Howard and Collins and Thompson then collaborated for the next nine points to give Howard a 57-51 advantage with just 12 seconds remaining.

"The big key was rebounding," said Howard Coach Gil Jackson. "Dadrian hit some tough shots when we needed them.  And we made a conscious effort to rebound the basketball since we were not shooting well."

While Thompson's scoring was a factor, it was his rebounding and ability to set up teammates that proved to be even more important.  The 6-3 sophomore guard from New Orleans, La., grabbed a game- and career-high 12 rebounds to go along with three assists.

"My role with this team is to become more of a leader," said Thompson, who had the second double-double of his career.  " I am trying to do whatever I can to make us successful, whether it is rebounding, passing to open teammates or just being more vocal on the court."

Collins finished with 18 points to lead all scorers while Paul Kirkpatrick contributed 10 rebounds, Curtis White with 8 points and 3 assists and C.J. Prince with 9 points off the bench.

The Eagles (5-9 overall, 0-3 in the MEAC) were led Coleman with 14 off the bench and Michael Harper and Vince Goldsberry with 13 and 12, respectively.

NEXT UP:  Coppin State travels to Winston-Salem, NC next Saturday to take on the Rams of Winston-Salem State while the Bison will travel to Greensboro, NC to take on the Aggies of North Carolina A&T on Saturday at 4 pm.