WILLIAMSBURG - Howard women's basketball team dropped its first game of the season tonight versus William & Mary in Kaplan Arena. The Bison (2-1) came into the game having won both of its previous matchups. William and Mary (1-1) lost its first and only previous game to Virginia Commonwealth University.

The Howard starting lineup included Ayonna Williams, Sarah Edmond, Star Fitzgerald-Greer, Tariah Johnson and Krislyn Marsh. The Bison began the first quarter with an early 7-3 lead. The Tribe quickly turned it around to go up 10-7. Two three pointers and a free throw by Jayla Thornton put the Bison within two; however, the Tribe offense took off ending the quarter 22-18.

Sarah Edmond opened the second quarter with a three pointer for the Bison. Not to be outdone, the Tribe came out shooting. A three pointer by Nyla Pollard followed by a Gabby Rogers jumper put the Tribe on the board early. Jayla Thornton was on fire in the second quarter. She had three of her six first half triples in the second quarter. Kelsie Jacobs and Tariah Johnson contributed to Howard's 39 first half points but they came up short, 46-39 before the break. Both teams were shooting around 47 percent. William & Mary had 23 rebounds to Howard's 14.

In the third and fourth quarters the Bison allowed turnovers to hold them back. The Tribe capitalized off of the errors going on a 11-0 run that brought William & Mary to 52-41 over the Bison. The Tribe had a powerful combination between Bianca Boggs, Harper Birdsong and Victoria Reynolds that drove the score up 62-44. Howard fought back in the fourth quarter, bringing the lead within five, 74-69. Big shots down the stretch by Emma Krause after missing two free throws were game changers for the Tribe. The close comeback did not prevail. William & Mary won the game, 88-75.

Jayla Thornton led the Bison in scoring with 22 points. She was 6 of 12 from the 3 point line and 4-6 for free throws in her 35 minutes of playing time. Sarah Edmond had 16 points and Ayonna Williams finished with 11. Tariah Johnson had eight rebounds, assisting with the defense.

The Bison are back in action for their next home game on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. against Siena.

About Howard University Athletics
The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent six conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA), Sun Belt Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference. Visit www.hubison.com to learn more.