Howard took to the court at the Physical Education Complex, facing off against Coppin State in a non-conference matchup. The Bison, predicted to win by 11.6 points according to CHD Scout, ultimately surpassed expectations with a 19-point victory. Cedric Taylor III stole the show, scoring 21 points and grabbing 9 rebounds to lead Howard to a 72-53 win.
From the opening tip, Howard asserted its dominance, taking a 31-24 lead into halftime. Coppin State's Demariontay Hall tried to keep his team afloat, scoring 12 points and collecting 7 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bison's balanced attack. Howard's Bryce Harris and Ose Okojie also made significant contributions, scoring 14 and 12 points, respectively. The Bison's offense continued to roll in the second half, outscoring Coppin State 41-29 to seal the win.
Cedric Taylor III's performance was the difference-maker, as he consistently found ways to score and create opportunities for his teammates. His 21 points marked one of the highest totals of the season for the Bison, and his 9 rebounds demonstrated his ability to dominate the glass. On the other side, Coppin State's Hall did his best to keep pace, but ultimately couldn't overcome the Bison's depth and athleticism.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The win marked a successful outing for Howard, which had been predicted to win but not by such a wide margin. CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had the Bison winning 75-63, but they ultimately outpaced that score. The 19-point victory is a reflection of Howard's strength and cohesion, and it will likely be a valuable addition to their resume.
As it stands, the win is classified as a Quad 4 victory for Howard, which may not carry significant weight in terms of tournament implications. However, the convincing nature of the win and the strong performance from Taylor III will undoubtedly be a boost to the team's confidence. For Coppin State, the loss is another Quad 4 defeat, which will do little to help their already slim tournament chances.
The outcome of this game will have minimal impact on the tournament landscape, but it serves as a reflection of Howard's growth and development throughout the season. With the win, the Bison improve to 14-9 on the year, while Coppin State falls to 3-21. As the season wears on, Howard want to build on this momentum and make a push for a stronger tournament resume. For now, the win over Coppin State is a welcome addition to their portfolio, and a demonstration of the team's capabilities when firing on all cylinders.