NEW YORK (AP) — Christopher Tolson scored 15 points, including eight during a 24-2 run by Hampton in its 71-53 victory over Howard on Sunday night in the Big Apple Classic.
The Pirates (4-4, 1-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) closed the first half with a 28-8 run to lead 36-23, but the Bison (2-5, 0-1) battled back to lead 41-40 with 14:14 left in the game. Mike Phillips scored 10 of his 12 points in that span for Howard.
Phillips’ other basket came with 4:31 left, ending a field goal drought of 9:43 for the Bison. By then, Hampton had surged ahead 64-43.
Darrion Pellum added 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Danny Agbelese had 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Pirates, who lead their series against Howard 28-5. Jasper Williams had nine points, making 3 of 5 3-pointers.
Simuel Frazier had 12 points for Howard to share team-high scoring honors with Phillips.