Howard took control from the opening tip, cruising to an 84-58 win over Delaware State at Burr Gymnasium. The Bison's 26-point margin of victory was a reflection of their dominant performance, which saw them outscore Delaware State in both halves. Ose Okojie led the charge for Howard, scoring 16 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, while Travelle Bryson added 16 points and 6 assists.
The first half set the tone for the game, with Howard racing out to a 38-25 lead at the break. Delaware State's Miles Webb tried to keep his team in it, scoring 19 points on the night, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bison's balanced attack. Howard had three players score in double figures, with Cedric Taylor III adding 15 points and 6 rebounds to the mix.
As the second half got underway, Howard continued to push the pace, outscoring Delaware State 46-33 to seal the win. The Bison's offense was clicking on all cylinders, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort. Okojie and Bryson were the catalysts, but Taylor's presence in the paint and on the glass was also a key factor in the win.
Delaware State, on the other hand, struggled to find consistency on offense. Webb and Ponce James, who scored 17 points, were the lone bright spots for the Hornets. However, they couldn't overcome the team's overall shooting woes and lack of defensive cohesion.
The win improves Howard's record to 12-9, while Delaware State falls to 5-15. This game was classified as a Quadrant 4 matchup for both teams, which can be a challenging aspect of their tournament resumes. For Howard, the victory helps to mitigate the negative impact of a Q4 game, but it won't significantly boost their overall profile. Meanwhile, Delaware State's loss will likely have a minimal effect on their already slim tournament chances.
In terms of tournament implications, this result doesn't drastically alter the landscape for either team. Howard's win keeps them in the mix for a potential postseason bid, but they'll need to continue to rack up victories against tougher opponents to strengthen their case. Delaware State, on the other hand, faces an uphill climb to become a serious contender.
Ultimately, this game showcased Howard's depth and talent, as they were able to overwhelm Delaware State with their balanced attack. The Bison want to build on this momentum as they move forward, while the Hornets will aim to regroup and find a way to overcome their struggles. The win may not be a significant resume-booster for Howard, but it's a step in the right direction as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.