DURHAM, N.C. (February 19, 2018) – Howard University Women's Basketball team took a tough loss at North Carolina Central (NCCU), 78-77, inside McDougald-McLendon Arena.
 
HU (10-16, 6-7 MEAC) won the turnover battle (+4) and scored 20 points off turnovers. Howard also dominated the paint, outscoring the Eagles, 44-20.
 
Despite winning several categories, the Bison was unable to capitalize at the charity stripe. HU, one of the nation's best in getting to the foul line, shot only 58-percent (15-of-26) whereas NCCU posted a 72-percent mark (18-of-25).
 
Four Bison reached double figures, led by sophomore Ayonna Williams with 16 points. The D.C. native also racked up seven dimes, three boards, and three steals in the loss.
 
Howard opened the second half on a 7-0 run, forcing the Eagles to burn a timeout, 43-35. NCCU fought back and took the lead midway through the third, thanks to a trey ball from Kieche White, 51-49.
 
HU reclaimed the upper hand late, but a free throw and layup from White put the Eagles ahead after three, 61-59.
 
Howard held a four-point advantage with more than seven minutes remaining, 67-63, until North Carolina Central went on a 9-0 burst to retake the lead for good.
 
Second-year center Jayla Myles recorded a double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds, while rejecting three shots.
 
HU jumped out to an early 12-5 lead, but the Eagles battled and tied the game after a layup from Deja Martin, 16-16. Howard held a two-point advantage after one, 23-21.
 
North Carolina Central took its first lead of the game with 7:11 remaining before intermission, 27-26. Both squads went back-and-forth in the second, but a layup from Williams put the Bison ahead at halftime, 36-35.
 
Sophomore Sarah Edmond scored 14 points while freshman Curstyn Moore netted 11 points and six boards in a losing effort.
 
NCCU (7-19, 5-8 MEAC) had three Eagles reach double-figures, led by Rodneysha Martin with 24 points (game-high). Paulina Afriyie produced a double-double, 19 points and 15 boards, and Kieche White added 13 points in the victory.
 
HU returns to The Burr for their final two home games of the year.
 
Saturday (Feb. 24), Howard hosts Delaware State. Tip-off at 2 p.m. Monday (Feb. 26), the Bison meet Norfolk State. Game-time is slated for 4 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.