WASHINGTON (Interstat) — In a commanding display of offensive efficiency and defensive pressure, the Howard Bison delivered a decisive 100-67 victory over the North Carolina Central Eagles in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Burr Gymnasium.

The Bison, improving to 18-10 overall, seized control with a blistering first-half performance and never relented, avenging a loss from earlier in the season and solidifying their position in the conference standings. The Eagles, who had defeated Howard in their previous meeting in January, fell to 10-16.

The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the latter part of the first half. After North Carolina Central’s Kelechi Okworogwo converted a layup to bring the Eagles within 22-20 with just over eight minutes remaining, Howard unleashed a game-defining 20-2 run. The surge was fueled by relentless transition play and stifling defense. The Bison generated eight fast-break points during the stretch and forced four Eagle turnovers, converting them into easy scoring opportunities.

Travelle Bryson was instrumental in the run, capping it with a 3-pointer off an assist from Bryce Harris to extend Howard’s lead to 42-22. Bryson finished as the game’s top performer, scoring 22 points and grabbing eight rebounds. The run effectively put the game out of reach before halftime, with Howard taking a 42-24 lead into the break.

Howard’s offensive execution was nearly flawless. The Bison shot 60.7% from the field and an even more impressive 50% from 3-point range, making 11 of 22 attempts. They also dominated inside, outscoring the Eagles 50-42 in the paint and outrebounding them on the offensive glass, 12-9.

Cedric Taylor provided a stellar all-around effort for Howard with 21 points, six rebounds, six assists and four blocked shots. Bryce Harris added 17 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Alex Cotton chipped in 12 points, all from beyond the arc. The Bison’s ball movement was crisp, resulting in a high-percentage shot selection throughout the contest.

North Carolina Central struggled to find any consistent rhythm, particularly from the perimeter. The Eagles shot a dismal 13.3% from 3-point range, making only 2 of 15 attempts. They also committed 12 turnovers, which Howard converted into 24 points.

Kyric Davis led the Eagles with 23 points, and Kelechi Okworogwo contributed a double-double with 20 points and eight rebounds. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the team’s collective shooting woes and inability to slow the Howard offensive machine.

The Bison’s defensive intensity, led by Taylor’s four blocks and the team’s six steals, consistently disrupted North Carolina Central’s sets. Howard also capitalized on its opportunities in the open floor, finishing with an 18-2 advantage in fast-break points.

The victory was a significant bounce-back for Howard following an overtime loss to Yale in its previous game. For North Carolina Central, the loss continued a challenging season that has seen them drop four of their last five contests.

Howard will look to maintain its momentum when it travels to face Morgan State next Saturday. North Carolina Central will aim to regroup on the road at Delaware State the same day.