Washington, D.C. (Dec. 6, 2011) --- Howard led by as many as 22 points in the second half before settling for a 72-65 win over Delaware State in a MEAC men's basketball contest at Burr Gymnasium this evening.

The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for the Hornets, who fell to 4-4 overall and 1-1 in the MEAC. The Bison improved to 3-5 and 1-1.

Freshman Prince Okoroh led four Howard players in double figures with a career-high 21 points, highlighted by 10-for-12 shooting from the field.

Dadrian Collins came off the bench to add 18 points for the Bison. Collins was 7-for-10 from the field, including 4-of-4 from three-point territory. Leary (5-for-7 FGs) and Mike Phillips had 15 and 14 points, respectively, for the Bison.

Casey Walker and freshman center Kendall Gray led the Hornets with 17 points each. Walker had four three-point field goals, while Gray's point total was a career-high.

Jay Threatt had 15 points and a team-high six assists, while Marques Oliver led all players with 12 rebounds for DSU.

Delaware State hit just eight-of-26 first half shots (30.8%), and trailed 30-24 at the break.

Howard opened the second half with a 10-2 run, and opened up a 40-26 lead on a free throw by Alphonso Leary with 15:53 left to play.

The Bison used a 14-4 rally to open up their biggest lead. Phillips capped off the spurt with a lay up to give Howard a 58-36 lead with 9:04 left to play.

The Hornets answered with a 24-10 run, and pulled to within 68-60 on a dunk by Gray with 2:08 remaining.

Howard hit two free throws and Phillips sank a short jumper on its next two possessions to give the Bison a 10-point lead in the final minute.

Delaware State was 23-of-60 from the field (38.3%), including 6-of-21 from three-point territory (28.6%).The Bison were 28-for-52 from the floor (53.8%) and 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Howard hit 17 of its 29 second half shots (58.6%)

The Hornets return to action on Saturday (Dec. 10) at home against the University of Delaware. Game time is 1:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall.