NORFOLK, Va. (November 11, 2017) – Coach
Ty Grace and the Howard University Women's Basketball team dropped its season opener versus the William & Mary Tribe, 83-71, at Burr Gymnasium.
Overall, the Bison shot 50-percent (27-of-54) from the floor; however, were unable to recover from 31 turnovers, including 20 in the first half.
In her collegiate debut, freshman
Curstyn Moore guided the Bison attack with a team-high 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Sophomore
Sarah Edmond flirted with a double-double, posting 16 points and eight boards in 40 minutes of action.
Trailing majority of the game by double-digits, HU got into a rhythm and slowly chipped away at the deficit. In the fourth, Howard turned up the defensive intensity by scoring off turnovers.
Edmond's jumper cut the margin down to single digits at the 3:35 mark, 74-65. Seconds later, William & Mary regained momentum and went on a 9-0 spurt to put the game out-of-reach.
Off the bench, sophomore
Imani Bryant returned to the floor after suffering a season-ending injury a year ago. The California product had 10 points and five rebounds in the loss.
Newcomer
Tariah Johnson filled the stat sheet in her first collegiate game, posting eight points, five boards, and a team-high four dimes in a losing effort.
Edmond drilled a trey ball and tied the contest, 9-9, with 5:34 remaining in the first quarter, but the Tribe closed the period on a 19-3 run and took a commanding lead after one, 28-12.
William & Mary held a double-digit advantage throughout the second and third quarters.
For William & Mary, Bianca Boggs recorded a double-double with 26 points and 11 boards. Victoria Reynolds added 19 points while Jenna Green provided 12 points in the win.
HU starts a four-game road swing against crosstown foe Georgetown. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
