Gophers Overpowered by Howard in Season Opener

WASHINGTON — Facing off against a Division I opponent for the seventh time in program history, Goucher was unable to overcome the superior size and athleticism from Howard in its season opener, dropping a 101-54 decision to the Bison.

The Gophers surrendered the first 12 points of the contest to Howard, and were never able to mount a sustained offensive effort to get back in the game. The Bison (1-1) nailed 11 shots from long distance and held Goucher to a 26.8 shooting percentage from the floor.

Kevin Miles (District Heights, Md./Gwynn Park) and Alex Noble (Clinton, Md./Surrattsville) each finished with 10 points for the Gophers. Noble sank eight of his nine free throw attempts, while Miles nailed a pair of 3-pointers. Troy DeShields (Seaford, Del./Sussex Technical) and Ibraham Kallon (Silver Spring, Md./Wheaton) added eight points apiece off the bench and Jordan Young (Washington, D.C./McLean School of Maryland) grabbed a team-high six rebounds.

Howard held a 46-20 advantage after the first 20 minutes of play, and the MEAC school would lead by as many as 52 points before the final whistle. James Carlton had 18 points, seven rebounds and three blocks for the Bison, and James Daniel III chipped in 17 points and five boards.

Goucher has now challenged three D-I opponents since the start of the 2013-14 season, squaring off against Navy (in an exhibition contest) and William & Mary last year, and the Gophers will also take on Towson in a 7 p.m. road tilt next Wednesday.

Prior to that, however, Goucher has three other matchups to look forward to, beginning with the team's home opener tomorrow night against Covenant. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from the Decker Sports & Recreation Center.