Alphonso Leary converted a three-point play with 31.4 seconds left and Howard rallied from a six-point second-half deficit for a 54-52 win over Bowling Green on Friday in the debut of new Bison coach Kevin Nickelberry.
Leary's only field goal of the game was a layup after Howard broke the Falcons' pressure defense. He then hit the free throw to put Howard up 54-50.
Bowling Green had several chances to take the lead in the frantic final seconds. Luke Kraus hit two of three free throws with 20.8 seconds to cut the lead to 54-52. After Howard's Mike Phillips missed two free throws with 6.2 seconds remaining, the Falcons had a chance to win or tie, but Joe Jakubowski could not get a shot off before the buzzer.
Phillips and Calvin Thompson had 11 points for the Bison, who shot 39 percent for the game. Scott Thomas scored 20 to lead Bowling Green.
