Box Score BALTIMORE – Junior guard
Daquan Brickhouse made sure seniors Andre Armstrong, Michael Murray and Charles Ieans finished their home careers with a bang.
Brickhouse was dominant all over the court for the Coppin State men's basketball team and helped lead it to an 86-69 victory over Howard in the Eagles' regular season finale at the Physical Education Complex Monday night.
Brickhouse shined early and often for the Eagles in finishing with a career-high 20 points, seven assists and six steals. He helped jumpstart Coppin State and then Armstrong and Murray did the rest. They had awesome efforts in their home finales.
Armstrong was a man on fire from deep, finishing with six 3-pointers to score a team-high 23 points. Murray added 19 points and provided several hustle plays.
Dallas Gary netted 10 points including a two-handed dunk.
All in all, it was a great night for the Eagles, who really needed a win. Coppin State finishes the regular season with a 10-18 overall record and a 7-9 mark in the conference. The Eagles, who ended a five-game skid, will most likely finish as the No. 7 seed and play a game Tuesday night at a time against an opponent to be determined. Pairings will be released later this week.
Coppin State displayed all facets of its game and showcased why it could be a problem for one of the top-seeded teams next week. The Eagles can shoot the lights out when they're on fire and defend with passion when focused. Sophomore
Sterling Smith quietly dropped more dimes than a bank teller in finishing with eight assists. As a team, Coppin State had 22 helpers on its 28 baskets.
Coppin State lost an overtime game to Hampton, a five-point decision to Morgan State and had halftime leads against Florida A&M, Morgan State and UMES, so the Eagles will not be a team to be taken lightly next week plus they have history on their side.
"It was a total team effort tonight and everybody contributed," Armstrong said. "Winning this game is real big for us and is a confidence booster for us. I feel like we're one of the better teams in the MEAC and we're capable of playing like this every night. Sometimes when times when things get tough for us, we put our heads down, but tonight we were able to keep grinding and that was good."
Armstrong was playing with a greater purpose. He dedicated this game and season to his best friend, Dominique Murray, who collapsed and died in New York during basketball practice four years ago. So each time Armstrong takes the court, Murray's spirit is with him. His performance against Howard would have made him proud. Armstrong exited the game with 1:18 remaining to a rousing ovation.
"I am just blessed that I am able to play Division I basketball and accomplish many things here," Armstrong said. "Everything I do in basketball is dedicated to Dominique. I don't take anything for granted. I just want to be remembered here."
The fans who braved the snow and ice to witness the game will definitely remember Armstrong's shooting show against Howard.
At one point during the game, Armstrong was so hot that somebody could have gotten burned if they cane near him. He made four 3-pointers in a four-minute stretch of the first half that turned the game around for Coppin State. Armstrong gave the Eagles the lead for good, 15-12, when his first 3-pointer splashed through the nets with 12:43 remaining. His last 3-pointer from the Mondawmin Mall gave Coppin State a 30-19 bulge with 8:10 remaining.
"To go out with a bang was real big," Armstrong said. "The whole week I was thinking about this game and I was going to be mad if it was cancelled. My teammates got me the ball and tried to make this night memorable and I am appreciative of that."
Coppin State led 36-28 at halftime and immediately any suspense by opening the second half with a 9-0 run. Armstrong's first 3-pointer of the second half gave Coppin State a 39-28 lead. The Eagles lead never dropped below double digits.
Murray left the floor of the PEC for the last time with 1:55 remaining to thundering applause. Murray has enjoyed a special career for Coppin State. He is closing in on a significant milestone, but his legacy is character, dedication, work-ethic and willingness to do anything that's needed for the team.
Coppin State limited Howard's freshman guard James Daniel to 23 mostly harmless points. The nation's leading freshman scorer did make two quick 3-pointers that helped Howard open early leads of 10-4 and 12-6. He picked up his second foul of the game with 11:10 remaining in the first half and Coppin State leading 19-14. Prince Okoroh had 18 points and Tyler Stone finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Howard (7-23, 5-10).
Now, the final chapters of the careers of Ieans, Murray and Armstrong are set to begin. There's still a chance to make it a happy ending.
