WASHINGTON (January 28, 2019) ---- Howard University women's basketball team lost 80-73 tonight despite a season-high 25 points from junior point guard Ayonna Williams in Burr Gymnasium. Williams also had six rebounds in the loss.

"Ayonna is a tough kid, and always plays with fight and heart, even if she isn't scoring," said head coach Ty Grace. "Tonight she had the hot hand and tried to carry the team to a win but she needed a little more help. I'm never surprised when she has a breakout game like this because I know she's capable of it. Hopefully she'll keep it going the rest of the season. I'm always proud of her."

Howard's record shifts to 11-9 overall and 4-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Maryland Eastern Shore improves to 11-10 overall and 7-1 in the MEAC. The Bison scored 22 points in the paint and 18 points off of the bench. Howard shot 35.7 percent (5-for-14) from the three-point line and Maryland Eastern Shore shot 42.3 percent (11-for-26). The Hawks outrebounded the Bison, 34-29.

The Bison jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the first quarter. The Hawks fought back to tie the game 10-10. Two free throws by Williams put the Bison up 18-16 to end the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Hawks forced a turnover that gave them two points to open the period. At the 4:08 mark, Maryland Eastern Shore was up by five. A layup by Williams shrunk the lead to three. Gia Thorpe closed the quarter for the Bison scoring the last two points. The Hawks outscored the Bison 12-9, ending the first half with the Bison down by one point, 28-27.

Howard struggled from the three-point line in the second half, shooting just 20 percent (1-for-5). Comparatively, Maryland Eastern Shore shot 50 percent, making six of their 12 shots. A solid performance in the third period solidified the game for the Hawks. The Bison's fourth quarter effort was not enough to overcome the close deficit.

Junior Sarah Edmond scored in the double-digits, putting up 14 points. Kelsie Jacobs stepped up defensively for the Bison with a team-high and season-high seven rebounds.

The Hawks saw three of their players in double-digits. Ra'Jean Martin led the team with 22 points, followed by Ciani Byrom's 17. Dominique Walker scored 12 points and eight rebounds in the win.

The Bison will continue their home contest with a matchup versus the Norfolk State Spartans on Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. For more information, visit the Bison 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.