Brandon Walker For Urban Media Today
Zennia Thomas recorded a double-double, leading the way as the Howard women’s basketball team held Morgan State to 26 second-half points. They defeated the Lady Bears 71-57 on Saturday afternoon at Burr Gymnasium. With the win, Howard keeps pace in the MEAC conference with UMES.
Ariella Hinigan ignited the game with a sharp three-pointer for the Bison. But the Lady Bears were quick to respond, orchestrating an impressive 7-1 run led by Gabrielle Johnson’s clutch basket. This surge saw Morgan State not only claw back but seize control of the game’s tempo, holding a 12-8 lead by the first media timeout. The court’s atmosphere was electric with palpable drama as Howard struggled with unforced errors and lost battles for loose balls, leaving the crowd anxious as Morgan State pressed their advantage. The quarter ended with the Bison trailing 15-10, the momentum firmly in the Lady Bears’ favor and setting the stage for what promised to be a tense matchup.
Howard emerged in the second quarter and started dictating the game. Zennia Thomas and Emma NaQuay scored, drawing the Bison closer to Morgan State. The score tied at 22 during the media timeout. Morgan State fought back, with Mihjae Hayes and Kailyn Nash scoring to keep a slight edge. They managed to hold a slim 31-29 lead by halftime.
Howard took the lead with a three-point play by Zennia Thomas. The crowd erupted with cheers, energizing the Bison as they felt the momentum shift. However, Morgan answered with a three-pointer by Nash, putting them up 37-36. NaQuay tied the game at 39 with a three-point play. April Edwards then hit an 18-foot jumper, reclaiming the lead for the Bison. Howard finished the third quarter with an 11-4 run, sparking enthusiasm in the stands, and by the end of the third quarter, Howard led 50-43.
In the fourth quarter, Howard began to exploit its size advantage, pounding the ball in the post, with baskets by Thomas and Nile Miller. The sound of bodies colliding reverberated throughout the gym as Thomas ripped through defenders to snatch an offensive rebound, powering up for a thunderous and-one finish. Howard’s aggressive drives to the basket and their trips to the free-throw line further extended the lead. By the final media timeout, the lead had grown to 15 as Howard maintained control until the final buzzer.
The key difference in the game is Howard forcing 16 Morgan State turnovers compared to committing only 8, and getting 11 points from second-chance opportunities compared to Morgan State’s 6.
Zoe Stewart led Howard with 15 points; Thomas recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Miller added 11 points, and Henegan added 10 for Howard. Nash led the Lady Bears with 15 points, while Hayes added 11 points and a game-high five assists.
Howard will host Norfolk State next Saturday, Jan. 31, while Morgan State will play across town at Coppin State on the same day.
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