Wills scores 21, Rush scores 20 in loss to Howard

Box Score
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 5, 2007 – The North Carolina A&T men’s basketball game with Howard came down to 3-point shooting, a shot clock and technical free throws. In what’s the Aggies most highly contested game of the season, Howard came out on top in all three categories for an 80-75 MEAC win.

The loss was crucial for the Aggies, who slipped down to seventh place in the MEAC Standings after action was concluded on Monday night. Howard hit 13 3-pointers in the win, but the one that may have turned the game was 3-pointer No. 13.

A controversy erupted from a call with 1:39 remaining. With the Aggies down 73-72, Will Gant shot a 3-pointer that Steven Rush blocked with two seconds remaining on the shot clock.

Howard guard Darek Mitchell picked up the loose ball and shot a three, which connected. The Aggies bench felt the shot was released after the shot clock buzzer light went off. But the three counted giving Howard a 76-72 lead.

Rush didn't allow the controversy to bother him. He came down court and hit a three from the top of the key to cut the lead to one. After a Howard timeout, Gant drove the lane for a running jumper to give the Bison a 78-75 lead with 13 seconds remaining.

The Aggies tried to answer with a three, but Glenn Nelson’s attempt was blocked by Kandi Mukole with eight seconds remaining. Seconds later, Eaves was ejected from the game, still apparently upset over the perceived shot clock violation. Mitchell hit two out four free throws to seal the win for Howard (8-15, 4-7).

“My kids gave it their best effort tonight and we came up short,’’ said Eaves. “I’m proud of my kids and the effort they put forth. We don’t blame anything on any one. We had our chances tonight and we just didn’t capitalize.”

Jason Wills led the Aggies with 21 points. Rush added 20 on five 3-pointers. Mitchell had a game-high 32 points on eight 3-pointers, while Gant added 12 points and seven rebounds. Howard’s leading scorer Darryl Hudson was also ejected from the game after a hard foul on Wills in the first half.

The Aggies open a four-game homestand starting with Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, Feb. 10 at Corbett Sports Center. Game time is 4 p.m. The Aggies will follow that game with their final ESPNU showing of the season, a 7 p.m., Monday tilt with Florida A&M from Corbett.

The Aggies close out the homestand with Coppin State and Morgan State. N.C. A&T fell to 10-13 overall and 6-5 in the conference after Monday’s loss.