December 22, 2010

Washington, DC-December 22---Mike Phillips scored scored 13 of his game-high 19 points in the second half and Antoine Dickerson tallied 11 of his 15 after intermission to lead Howard University to a 69-65 come-from-behind win over Loyola University Maryland in a non-conference men's basketball game at Burr Gymnasium.  The win snapped an eight-game win streak for the Bison (2-8).

Howard jumped out to an early lead on the Greyhounds (4-7) as it welcomed the return of Kyle Riley, who had missed the last seven games due to an ankle injury.  The 6-3 senior stabilized the young Bison early by scoring 9 of his 11 points in the first 20 minutes.

But Loyola was able to negate Riley's impact on the scoring of Erik Etherly and reserve Justin Drummond, who each scored 10 points to help the Greyhounds take a 39-31 lead at the half.

Loyola threatened to pull away at the beginning of the second half with a 6-0 run to open the biggest lead of the game at 45-31.

But the Bison began to claw away by putting together a 23-9 run that knotted the score at 54-all at the 6:47 mark.  A big play in the run was a long three pointer by Dadrian Collins, his only basket of the second half.  It set the stage for what was to come.

The Greyhound countered with a 6-0 run over the next two minutes to take a 60-54 advantage, but the Bison refused to wilt.  Phillips and Dickerson combined to score 11 points during a 15-4 run.

"We began to call more play for Mike in the second half," said Howard Coach Kevin Nickelberry.  "We talked about execution and getting to the basket and he responded. "

He continued, "Anton did a great job of dribble drive and getting to the foul line and that was one of the key to our success in the second half."  Dickerson was 9 of 10 from the free throw line, including a perfect 5-for-5 in the second half.

While the play of Phillips and Dickerson played a majot role in the victory, Nickelberry says that the presence of Riley was equally important for a team that has been decimated by injuries and illnesses and is made up of sophomores, freshmen and walk-ons.

"Without question, Kyle improves out talent level," said Coach Nickelberry.  "He is such a calming influence out there and that is what we have been missing.  He is a veteran player on the floor for us and you could the difference tonight."

The Bison placed four players in double figures and just missed having a fifth from Alphonso Leary (9 points).  Collins chipped in with 13 and Riley finished with 11.

The Greyhounds were led by Drummond with 17, Etherly with 12 and Jamal Barney with 10.

GAME NOTES: The Howard defense forced Loyola to miss 8 of 9 from beyond the arc in the second half after allowing them to connect of 6 of 14 in the first 20 minutes…the Bison played without starting point guard Clint Cuffee, who became ill early in the week…the five Howard starters all played more than 32 minutes…

NEXT UP: The Bison host Rider on Tuesday at 7 pm in Burr Gymnasium.