WASHINGTON (November 4, 2019) – Howard University women's basketball team opens its 2019-20 campaign with a home contest against La Salle. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. inside The Burr.
Fans can follow all the action at
www.HUBison.com.
SEASON PREVIEW
Howard finished the 2018-19 season with a 18-13 (10-6 MEAC) mark and fifth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) standings. HU reached the MEAC Quarterfinals before falling to No. 4 Norfolk State. The squad looks to take the next step this season.
"We had high expectations last year," said Howard women's basketball head coach
Ty Grace during the conference's annual teleconference. "We're looking to take the next step and get over the hump."
This year's Bison consist of 13 returners and three newcomers. Seniors
Imani Bryant (Berkeley, Calif.),
Sarah Edmond (Freeport, N.Y.) and
Ayonna Williams (Washington) and junior
Jayla Thornton (Newark, N.J.) spearhead the league's top offense from a year ago.
"It's a veteran team," Grace continued. "We've been a good team, but it's time to be a great team. I'm looking forward to this season."
Howard's challenging schedule features a dozen contests inside The Burr, along with a trip to Puerto Rico where they will face Bucknell (Nov. 27) and Washington (Nov. 29). Other notable nonconference opponents include Hofstra (Nov. 24), East Carolina (Dec. 16) and SEC foe Tennessee (Dec. 29).
"Our nonconference schedule has always been challenging," Grace added. "When you go into those games with a veteran team, you feel like there's always a chance to win. I think we're going to rise to the occasion."
MATCHUP PREVIEW
Tuesday's showdown will be the ninth meeting between Howard and La Salle with the Explorers leading the all-time series, 6-2. Last year, HU edged out La Salle, 57-54, in Philadelphia.
La Salle looks to rebound after a 6-25 (3-13) mark from a year ago. Last season, the Explorers lost to Dayton, 65-38, in the A-10 Tournament First Round.
Shalina Miller returns for the Explorers after setting a single-season program record in total blocks (64). She also led the squad in steals and second in points.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Saturday (Nov. 9), Howard goes to Baltimore where the UMBC Retrievers await. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
