Ann Arbor, MI---Playing without its leading scorer, James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III, the Howard University men's basketball team went head to head with the Wolverines of Michigan and trailed by just five with a little over 12 minutes in the second half. But in the end, the Bison (0-1) were unable to keep pace from the hosts and fell 76-58 in the first round of the 2K Classic at Crisler Center.
Daniel, Howard's senior guard who led the nation in scoring last season at 27.1 points per game, suffered a high ankle sprain two weeks ago and is projected to miss another four weeks. But the Bison refused to use that as an excuse and came out strong by taking 4-0 lead while holding the Wolverines (1-0) scoreless over the first five minutes.
Once Michigan finally scored, it became a battle that had the home fans nervous. Getting scoring from James "JT" Miller and Damon Collins, Howard was able to keep it close until Michigan got a late push to take a 34-25 lead to the locker room.
Much of the Bison's success in holding Michigan to percent shooting came as a result of their vaunted match-up zone defense.
"We spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to attack it and did not have much success," said Michigan head coach John Bielein. "They did a good job of denying us the ball in certain spots."
Howard had chance to keep it closer, but poor free throw shooting, points off turnovers and the second half scoring of Zak Irvin, Derrick Walton, Jr. and DJ Wilson off the bench proved to be too much to overcome.
"The difference in this game is turnovers and free throw shooting," said a hoarse Nickelberry following the game. "They had 20 points off 17 turnovers and we missed 15 free throws. You take that away and it is a different game. We just have to have people make those free throws and step up and hit shots." The Bison shot 70 percent as a team from the free throw line last year.
Still, the Wolverines were not able to put the pesky Bison away and thanks to some solid contribution from Damon Collins, James "JT" Miller and reserve Dalique Mingo, Howard was able to get to within 43-38 with a little over 12 minutes remaining.
But that is when the Wolverines took advantage of the Bison's inability to score and they reeled off a 19-6 run that opened a 62-44 lead to all but the game away.
Howard's chances were further diminished when Miller caught an elbow at the beginning of the second half and had to go to the locker room. His status is unknown at this time. He played only 18 minutes.
Collins led the team with 12 points, Miller with 10, Solomon "Solo" Mangham, Mingo and Marcel Boyd with 9 each. Freshman Charles Williams made an impressive debut with 8 points off the bench.
The Wolverines were led by Walton with 20, Mark Donnall and Zak Irvin with 12 and 11, respectively.
NEXT UP: The Bison travel to Milwaukee, WI to take on Marquette in the second round of the 2K Classic on Monday at 9:30 pm while Michigan hosts IUPUI on Sunday at 12 noon.
