Howard Dominates South Carolina State 85-57 Behind Cedric Taylor III's Stellar Performance

Howard took control from the outset, outscoring South Carolina State 36-24 in the first half at Burr Gymnasium. The Bison's offense was firing on all cylinders, with Cedric Taylor III leading the charge. Taylor III's impressive all-around game, which included 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, set the tone for Howard's dominant performance. Bryce Harris also made significant contributions, scoring 23 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, while Travelle Bryson added 11 points to the mix.

South Carolina State struggled to find its rhythm, with Noah Treadwell being the lone bright spot. Treadwell scored 13 points, but it wasn't enough to spark a comeback. Jayden Johnson and Jamal Miles chipped in with 11 and 8 points, respectively, but the Bulldogs' offense was ultimately stifled by Howard's strong defense.

The second half saw Howard continue to pull away, outscoring South Carolina State 49-33. The Bison's balanced attack and stout defense proved too much for the Bulldogs, resulting in a convincing 85-57 victory. This win was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted a 23-point margin of victory for Howard. The actual margin of 28 points exceeded expectations, underscoring the Bison's dominance.

This matchup was a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, with Howard currently ranked 248th in net ranking and South Carolina State sitting at 359th. While the win doesn't significantly boost Howard's tournament resume, it does help to solidify their position in the conference standings. For South Carolina State, the loss is another setback in a challenging season.

The performance of Cedric Taylor III will be a key takeaway from this game. His ability to score, rebound, and distribute the ball effectively makes him a formidable opponent in the conference. As the season progresses, Taylor III will be a player to watch, and his continued strong play could be a deciding factor in Howard's push for a postseason berth.

In terms of resume implications, this win doesn't move the needle significantly for Howard, but it does help to avoid a potentially damaging loss. The Bison must continue to perform well in their remaining conference games to build a strong case for tournament consideration. For South Carolina State, the loss is a reminder of the challenges they face in the conference, and they must regroup and refocus to try and salvage their season.