DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.  – Diamante Lewis posted 18 points and eight assists and combined with Brandon Tabb on four crucial free throws in the final 18 seconds as Bethune-Cookman snapped a four-game losing streak with a 71-67 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory over Howard Monday on Coach Cy Court in Historic Moore Gym.

Tabb's two free throws with eight seconds remaining preserved the Wildcat (5-18,2-7) victory after Howard (5-19, 2-7) closed to two points on James Miller's lay-up and two free throws.

Reggie Baker posted a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Quinton Forrest and Ulmer Manzier scored 10 each as the Wildcats opened up a 59-48 lead on a Baker lay-up.

Howard got it to 63-59 with 4:34 left, but went three minutes without a field goal. A Baker lay-up and two Tabb free throws pushed Bethune-Cookman to a 67-59 lead.
Freshman Charles Williams lead Howard with 21 points.  Damon Collins and Miller added 17 and 16, respectively.

Bethune-Cookman travels to Coppin State Saturday.

HEAD COACH GRAVELLE CRAIG

"We needed a win. All we do is work on end on the game situations. I think we'll be right there at the end of the games. We just learn how to finish."

"Ulmer had a good night. If we can get 40 minutes between him and Brandon Suggs, we'll be all right."

"Diamante's been coming into the gym working on his shooting. You have to do that. He's doing well as makeshift point guard. I can't complain how's he played,"

REGGIE BAKER

"We won the game because of our defense. We took care of business." 

DIAMANTE LEWIS

"It feels good to get the win finally." 

"It's hurt the way we've been losing. If they were all 15-20 points blowouts, it would mean we're not good enough." 

"Free throws were big tonight."

NOTES: This was Lewis' third straight game with 8 assists. He's had 46 in the past five games...Baker posted his third double-double of the season
Forrest has been in double figures 9 of the past 10 games ...Manzie's 10 points matched a career high ... The Wildcats have shot 72 percent or better from the line  the past two games...B-CU has had a better FG% in four of its five wins.