Boxscore

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dadrian Collins scored all of his career-high15 points in the second half, but it was not enough as American University placed four players in double figures in a 59-53 win over Howard University in a non-conference men's basketball game at Bender Arena.

A 6-5, 190-pound freshman from Williamsburg, VA, Collins started the second half and responded by hitting on five of his first six shots, including three from three-point range and helping the Bison gain a four-point lead.

"We have been having problems scoring with any consistency all season," said Howard Coach Gil Jackson.  "So we decided to start Dadrian the second half. He gave us a real boost with his scoring."

From there, it became a battle between two teams trying desperately to get their first win.  There were six ties and five lead changes.  Calvin Thompson, the Bison's leading scorer, came alive in the second half and scored eight of his 14 points.

The Eagles (1-7) countered on the scoring of Stephen Lumpkins and Simon McCormack, who combined for 19 of their team's 35 second half points, including some key baskets and free throws that proved to be the difference.

"AU has played in a lot of close games and we have not," said Jackson.  "We made some mistakes down the stretch that they capitalized on and that was the difference."

Paul Kirkpatrick, who was a big factor for Howard (0-8) until he got into foul trouble, contributed 13 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, two blocked shots and three steals in 27 minutes.

Thompson added three assists and two steals to his resume while Collins also grabbed a career-high 5 rebounds.

The Eagles got 13 from Riley Graft, 12 from Nick Hendra and Lumpkins and 11 from McCormack.

The Bison will try again to get their first win when they travel to New York to take on MEAC rival Hampton on Saturday at 7 pm in the Big Apple Classic in Madison Square Garden.