ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State handed Howard women's basketball a devastating loss on the road, 72-63, on Saturday night. Howard moves to 10-8 overall and 3-2 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) while the Bulldogs improve to an even 9-9 overall and 2-2 MEAC record.

The Bulldogs held the Bison to 24-of-69 shooting (34.8%), however, the Bison forced 24 turnovers and slightly outrebounded the Bulldogs, 46-40. Additionally, Howard converted nine second chance points, while totaling 42 points in the paint and four fast break points.

Freshman Krislyn Marsh led the Bison with a team-high 16 points and eight rebounds, while Junior Ayonna Williams followed with 15 points, four rebounds, four steals and an assist. Sarah Edmond and Star Fitzgerald-Greer both finished with eight points. Asia McCants matched Marsh's rebound total with her eight.

Howard was ahead in the opening period with Marsh and Williams coming out strong; however, the Bulldogs gained momentum in the second period, outscoring Howard 21-13. The Bison went into the half down by four, 38-34.

Howard had a strong showing in the third period with a 17-14 scoring advantage. A layup as time was expiring put the Bison up by one, 52-51, at the end of the period. They went into the fourth period with three different players scoring the first five points giving them a slight lead advantage. The Bison did not sustain that energy. The Bulldogs went on an 11-2 run that the Bison trimmed within three but ultimately could not regain the lead. Rhein Beamon shot a crucial 3-pointer with 1:12 left on the clock and South Carolina pulled away with the victory. Beamon matched Marsh's team-high 16 points.

Howard was 1-of-9 (5.3%) from the three-point range and shot just 14-of-35 (40%), compared to South Carolina State's 13-of-18 (72.2%) from the free-throw line.

Howard returns to Burr Gym on Saturday, January 26, to host Delaware State on Alumni Day. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Howard Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

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.