Slow Start Dooms Howard In Consolation Loss to Boston University
Orlando, FL---Howard University missed its first nine shots of the game, fell behind big and was never able to recover as Boston University rolled to a 71-44 win over the Bison in the consolation round of the UCF Holiday Classic at the UCF Arena.
The Terriers (6-7) jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the first five minutes and continued to build on the lead as Dom Morris (12 points) did most of his damage inside and Maurice Watson, Jr with his penetration. The Bison aided BU's cause by missing several shots around the basket.
Boston University shot 60 percent (15 of 25) in the first 20 minutes, including 5 of 8 from beyond the arc, en route to a comfortable 40-21 halftime lead.
The Bison (3-12) were never unable to get untracked as they missed 23 of their shots while also losing the battle of the bench, 16-1. Mike Phillips and Calvin Thompson were the onlyHoward players able to score as they combined for 19 of the team's 21 points. The senior duo connected on 8 of 18 from the floor while the rest of the team was a dismal 0 for 13.
Howard was able to scrap its way back to within 15 early in the second half, but BU's D.J. Irving made sure that they would get no closer as he tallied 13 of his 14 after intermission.
Thompson led all scorers with 19 points while Phillips' 10 points all came in the first half.
Sophomore center Theodore Boyomo, who started his second straight game for the Bison, pulled down a career-high 9 rebounds.
BU was led by Morris' 17, Irving's 14 and Watson and Malik Thomas, who each contributed 11 points.
NEXT UP: Howard resumes MEAC play on Saturday, January 5 at 4 pm at Coppin State while BU travels to Maine to play the Black Bears of Maine on January 2 at 7 pm.
