KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (December 29, 2019) – Howard University women's basketball team ended its nonconference slate with an 88-38 loss at No. 22 Tennessee (UT). With the setback, HU saw its four-game winning streak come to a halt.
 
Offensively, the Bison (8-5) struggled to find their rhythm, shooting only 19-percent (12-of-64) from the floor. Junior guard Jayla Thornton (Newark, N.J.) led the Bison with a team-leading nine points while senior guard Sarah Edmond (Freeport, N.Y.) added eight points in a losing effort.
 
Although a tough shooting day for the Bison, HU stayed aggressive and attacked the rim at will. Howard reached the charity stripe 28 times, led by second-year guard Gia Thorpe (Pittsburgh) shooting 75-percent (6-of-8) at the foul line.
 
After an early bucket by Thornton tied the game, 2-2, UT regained the lead and never looked back.
 
Tennessee outrebounded HU, 59-42, and scored 24 second chance points. In the paint, UT tallied 44 points while shooting nearly 49-percent (34-of-70) from the field.
 
Despite the rebounding disparity, freshman Makayla Minett (Chicago) pulled down a career-best nine rebounds while sophomore forward Krislyn Marsh (Duncanville, Texas) battled inside and finished with eight boards and four points in the loss.
 
Four Lady Vols (10-2) reached double-figures, led by Rae Burrell with a double-double (18 points and 12 boards).
 
Saturday (Jan. 4), Howard begins league play at Maryland Eastern Shore. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m. inside the William P. Hytche Athletic Center. Two days later (Jan. 6), HU returns to The Burr where Bethune-Cookman awaits. The action starts 5:30 p.m. on Community Day.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.