Washington, DC—Charles "CJ" Williams scored a game- and career-high 27 points, but it was not enough to offset a torrid three-point barrage and some deft free throw shooting by George Washington University as Howard fell, 79-62 to the Colonials in a non-conference men's game at the Charles E. Smith Center.
The Bison (1-7), who were playing without three key starters, lost yet another when point guard Damon Collins turned an ankle in the first half and did not return, leaving Howard with a number of reserves who played more minutes than they are accustomed to.
The Colonials (7-4), coming off a big road win over Temple, came out smoking and set the tone, connecting on 9 of 14 from beyond the arc for a sizzling 63 percent. Most of the damage was done by Jaren Sina, who was 5 for 6 and Tyler Cavanaugh who was 2 of 4 as they combined for 27 first half points.
Despite the torrid shooting, the Bison fought and clawed their way back again and again before trailing by four. GW then went on a run to open a 43-34 halftime lead.
Solomon "Solo" Mangham did all he could to keep it close with 11 points along with Williams who added 7. GW threatened to pull away on four different occasions at the start of the second half, but each time, Williams would come up with a play that would keep the score within striking distance.
Credit has to also go the Bison defense, which forced the hosts to cool down and miss 4 of 12 in the second stanza from the three-point line. Howard cut the deficit to six, but the Colonials were able to go a perfect 10 for 10 from the free throw line to keep the visitors at bay and pull away to the victory.
Playing with a number of reserves, the Bison simply ran out of gas as fatigue became a problem.
"I like the way we fought," said Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry. "We had guys out there who were playing out of position and some that were not used to playing this many minutes and it showed." After shooting a respectable 46 percent (12 of 26) in the first half, Howard struggled and missed 25 of 34 from the field, including several from point blank range.
Williams has continued to show that he is going to be a special player in time. The talented 6-3 freshman from Richmond, VA, showed a lot of confidence as he took turns torching different defenders, much the same way he did against Maryland on Wednesday when he tallied a then career-best 21 points.
Mangham recorded a double double of 11 points and 10 rebounds and was the only other Howard player to finish in double figures. Kofi Andoh and Dalique Mingo showed that they will be important players when the starters return and the Bison are at full strength.
"We just have to get healthy," said a frustrated Nickelberry. "We need to do the things that are necessary for recovery. We can't rush so we have to have the guys who are suited up to continue to contribute. We have three home games in a riw coming up so we need to use that opportunity to our advantage."
GW was led by Sina, who led his team with 20 and Tyler Cavanaugh (13 points, 13 rebounds) and Jordan Roland (11 points).
INJURY UPDATE: The Bison now injuries to James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III (high ankle sprain), James "JT" Miller (injured wrist), Marcel Boyd (foot injury and now Collins (rolled ankle). Daniel is out for another three weeks, Miller for four, Boyd, day to day and Collins, to be determined.
NEXT UP: Howard hosts Jacksonville State on Wednesday at 7 pm in Burr. It will be the first of three straight home games for Howard in a five-day span.
