CINCINNATI, Ohio – Seniors Sydni Johnson and Te'Shya Heslip combined for 33 points in Howard's 66-56 loss to Cincinnati on Saturday night in a non-conference matchup at Fifth Third Arena.

For the fifth consecutive game, Heslip recorded double figures on 18 points and paired it with four rebounds and two steals.

Johnson finished with a season-high 15 points, seven boards and three assists on the night. She scored most of her points at the free throw line, going 7-of-10, and connected twice from long range. Redshirt junior Erin Blaine grabbed six rebounds and put up nine points.

Howard made 19 of its 24 free throw attempts, a season-high, but shot the ball at a 26.2 percent clip (16-61) for the game. The Bison also outrebounded the Bearcats on the offensive boards, 20-17.

The Bison (0-5) were down by two, 5-3, to start the game on a three-pointer by Johnson. Freshman Danielle Griffin sank a pair of free throws and hit a jumper as the Bearcats (4-1) doubled up, 14-7. Howard tried to close the gap in the second quarter as Heslip put up nine consecutive points with 4:27 left on the clock but UC took a 40-23 lead into the locker room.

Howard used an 11-6 run out of the half to pull the score to 46-34 with 5:23 to go in the third quarter. A jumper by Blaine and layups from senior Jasmine Hill and Johnson got the Bison within 12 as they trailed 52-40.

Johnson's second three-pointer of the night and a jumper by freshman Ayonna Williams brought the deficit down to nine, 54-45. Howard sank nine straight free throws, including five by Johnson, with the score at 64-56 and 1:05 remaining in the game but couldn't get any closer.

Shanice Johnson had a double-double on 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Bearcats. Ana Owen added 18 points and five assists to the mix.

The Bison will hit the road on Wednesday, Nov. 30 to take on Saint Francis (N.Y.) at 7 p.m.