Bison overpower Purple Eagles
WASHINGTON (December 14, 2019) – Howard University women’s basketball team cruised to a 91-42 victory over Niagara inside Burr Gymnasium. With the win, HU improved to 6-4 on the season.
@HowardBison_WBB defeats Niagara 91-42! #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/cif82JOD9x
— Howard Athletics (@HUBisonSports) December 14, 2019
Howard dominated all facets of the game, starting on the defensive end.
HU scored 25 points on 28 Niagara turnovers while holding the Purple Eagles to only 21-percent (15-of-71) from the floor, including 19-percent (4-of-21) behind the arc.
“We did a great job getting on them [Niagara] early,” said Howard women’s basketball head coach Ty Grace. “Everyone did a great job following the scouting report, which led to the defensive effort we put out tonight. Holding them to just 21-percent said a lot about our defense focus.”
Offensively, the Bison shot 51-percent (36-of-70) from the field, including 50-percent (11-of-22) from long range, and made 36 baskets on 24 assists.
“We did a good job sharing the ball,” Grace added. “Having 24 assists means you’re sharing the ball and finishing plays.”
Senior guard Sarah Edmond (Freeport, N.Y.) led the attack, posting a season-best 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-6 from downtown.
“Sarah [Edmond] had a tremendous game tonight,” said Grace. “[She] came up big on so many possessions and heated up from three and continued to feel it the whole game. Sarah is capable to have that type of performance every night, [and] it’s fun to watch.”
— HowardWBB (@HowardBison_WBB) December 15, 2019
Third-year sharpshooter Jayla Thornton (Newark, N.J.) produced 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc.
“When Sarah and JT [Jayla Thornton] are shooting that well, we are a tough team to beat,” Grace continued.
Niagara tied the contest on multiple occasions early, but never grabbed the upper hand. Both squads were deadlocked at six until HU closed the first period on a 18-6 run to take a commanding 24-12 advantage. From that point on, the Bison never looked back.
Sophomore forward Krislyn Marsh (Duncanville, Texas) had 15 points and six boards while fellow classmateGia Thorpe (Pittsburgh) added 11 points and six rebounds in the victory.
For Niagara (1-7), Jai Moore registered a team-leading 14 points and Emerald Ekpiteta netted 10 points in the loss.
“I was very pleased with the team’s performance tonight,” Grace concluded. “We can surely enjoy this one, but we need to get ready for some tough ones on the road.”
Monday (Dec. 16), the Bison begin a four-game road swing in Greenville, N.C., where the East Carolina (ECU) Pirates await. The action starts 7 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.
(Story and Photo courtesy of Howard University Athletics )
