Coach Ty Grace and the Howard University women's basketball team used a strong first half to roll past the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchup on Saturday at Burr Gym.

The Bison improved to 9-7 (2-1 MEAC), while the Wildcats fell to 8-6 (1-1 MEAC). Howard ended Bethune-Cookman's 18-game conference road winning streak. 

After falling behind against Maryland Eastern Shore, juniors Ayonna Williams and Sarah Edmond bounced back with a solid game against the Wildcats. Edmond paced the Bison with a game-high 25 points and eight rebounds. Williams added 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

"They definitely are two players that we know can score the ball, and that can get going offensively, but we've had some lulls in the last couple games. But, obviously, they stepped up today and they were able to find their shots. So, it was good to see," noted Grace after the game. 

The Bison stifled the Wildcats on the defensive end, after struggling on that side of the ball the last two games. They limited the Wildcats to just 31 percent shooting (22-of-71). The Bison dominated the Wildcats on the glass, led by junior Imani Bryant, who finished with 14 rebounds and six points. The Bison also forced the Wildcats into 18 turnovers, which they converted into 15 points.

"It's been a point of emphasis everyday in practice, every film session, we've been talking about defense, understanding the scout, locking in on certain players, and they did a good job tonight. They found a way to get it done," said Grace
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After giving up double digit leads to Florida A&M and Maryland Eastern Shore, the Bison held on against the Wildcats. "We talked about that. We talk about playing for 40 minutes, not just 32 minutes or 30 minutes, and tonight they locked in and they stuck to the plan. They figured it out," Grace explained. "When we do that, we are a better team. We're a good team because we know can score. We're taking more shots than a lot of people, but getting stops is, as I always say, is what's going to be important down the stretch."

Bethune-Cookman's Tania White had 13 points. Chasimmie Brown posted nine points and 10 rebounds. 

The Bison look to pick up another MEAC win when they host local rival Morgan State on Monday, January 14. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at Burr Gym.

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.