DOVER, Del. – The Howard University women's basketball team will conclude the 2016-17 regular season at Delaware State on Thursday, Mar. 2 at Memorial Hall. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m.
Howard (15-12, 11-4 MEAC) has won its last four games after downing Maryland Eastern Shore, 71-40, on Senior Night in Burr Gymnasium on Monday. Seniors Erin Blaine, Jasmine Hill, Te'Shya Heslip and Sydni Johnson were recognized prior to the game for their contributions.
The four seniors combined for 54 points, led by Johnson with a game-high 17. Blaine chipped in 14 points and six rebounds and Heslip added nine points. Hill also had 14 points and five boards. Freshman Sarah Edmond grabbed seven rebounds, while classmate Danielle Griffin tallied three blocks.
The Bison held the Hawks to a 20.6 field goal percentage and 20 percent clip from beyond the arc. Both marks are season-low totals for an HU opponent. Also, Howard only allowed MDES to score a single point in the second quarter, the fewest points in a quarter by an opponent this season.
Heslip continues to rank among the nation's statistical leaders heading into the season finale. Her 3.5 steals per contest is fifth and her 95 total thefts stands eighth. She is also 47th in assists per game (5.0) and 68th in total assists (136). She leads the conference in steals and assists, while her 15.3 points checks in at No. 3.
The Dumfries, Va. native was named MEAC Player of the Week on Monday and BOXTOROW National Player of the Week on Wednesday after leading Howard to a pair of wins over North Carolina Central and Norfolk State. She put up a season-high 30 points against the Spartans.
Howard has the top scoring offense in the MEAC, averaging 64.0 points. The squad is second in assists (12.6) and third in free throw shooting (66.9) and field goal percentage (37.7).
Thursday's game will be the first meeting this season between the Bison and Lady Hornets. DSU enters the matchup 3-25 overall and 2-13 in MEAC play. The Lady Hornets are currently on a seven-game skid.
UP NEXT
Howard will await seeding for the 2017 MEAC Basketball Tournament, which will take place from Mar. 6-11 at Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va.
