Pope, French help power Bethune-Cookman past Howard 102-73

WASHINGTON (AP) — Cletrell Pope and Joe French combined to score more than half of Bethune-Cookman’s points as the Wildcats picked up their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference win of the season, rolling past Howard 102-73 on Monday night.

Bethune-Cookman dropped its MEAC opener at Norfolk State Saturday. The Wildcats return home for three straight conference games beginning with Coppin State Saturday.

Pope hit 11 of 18 shots from the field and posted 28 points while pulling down 15 rebounds. French knocked down 5 of 8 3-point attempts and put up 25 points off the bench for Bethune-Cookman (7-9, 1-1). Isaiah Bailey added 13 points and Malik Maitland added 11 points and dished 11 assists.

Wayne Bristol Jr. scored 25 points to lead Howard (2-14, 0-2), which now has lost four straight. Charles Williams added 15 points and Zion Cousins added 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.