Yale Holds Off Howard 87-81 Behind Trevor Mullin's 23 Points

Yale's Trevor Mullin stole the show at Burr Gymnasium, scoring 23 points to lead the Bulldogs to an 87-81 win over Howard. The victory marked a strong non-conference road win for Yale, who was predicted to win by 10.3 points by CHD Scout. While the margin was closer than expected, the outcome was correct, with Yale ultimately emerging victorious.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Yale taking a 38-32 lead into halftime. Howard's Cedric Taylor III was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 18 points and grabbing 5 rebounds to keep the Bison in the game. However, Mullin's performance was too much for Howard to handle. Yale's Nick Townsend and Casey Simmons also made significant contributions, scoring 18 and 14 points, respectively, and combining for 14 rebounds.

Despite a strong effort from Howard, Yale's depth and talent ultimately won out. The Bulldogs' ability to score from multiple positions and control the boards was the difference-maker. Howard's Bryce Harris and Cam Gillus also had strong games, scoring 14 points each, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Yale.

The win is a significant one for Yale's tournament resume, as it marks a Quadrant 4 victory for the Bulldogs. While it may not be the most impressive win, it is still a valuable road victory against a decent opponent. For Howard, the loss is a Quadrant 2 defeat, which could have implications for their own tournament hopes. The Bison must regroup and focus on their remaining conference games if they hope to make a push for the postseason.

Yale's performance was a reflection of their strength and depth as a team. With multiple players contributing on both ends of the floor, they were able to wear down Howard and secure the win. As the season enters its final stretch, Yale want to build on this momentum and make a push for a strong tournament seed. With their current net ranking of 65, they are well-positioned to make some noise in the postseason.

The win also highlights the importance of non-conference scheduling. Yale's decision to take on a decent opponent like Howard on the road has paid off, as they have secured a valuable win that will look good on their resume. As the selection committee evaluates teams for the tournament, wins like this one matters in determining seeding and placement.