BALTIMORE (February 26, 2019) - Coach Ty Grace and the Howard Bison women's basketball team used a balanced scoring to attack to roll past the Morgan State Bears, 74-62, in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchup at Hill Field House in Baltimore on Monday.

The Bison continued their road trip, picking up their third straight win.

After a technical foul prior to the game, Morgan State successfully attempted their free throw. The foul gave the Bears a 1-0 lead, but Sarah Edmond hit a jumper with 9:42 to play in the quarter. Howard did not trail again. The Bison limited the Bears to just seven first quarter points.

Howard took a 34-21 lead at the break. The Bears would continue to surge and came within three points, 59-56, off a three pointer by Jihayah Chavis with 5:44 to play. However, the Bison continued to strap up on defense. With 2:44 to play, Jayla Thornton hit a pair of free throws to give the Bison their biggest lead of the game, 16 points, 72-56.

Howard clamped down on the defensive end, limiting Morgan State to just 36% shooting (22-of-61).

The Bison forced 18 turnovers, which they turned into 19 points. They added 11 fast break points.

"Coach Ty challenged us tonight to pick up the defensive intensity so we can get more stops," said junior guard Ayonna Williams after the game. "We're trying to keep up the defensive intensity going into the tournament. We just have to get into a rhythm. Defense wins games in championships," added teammate Asia McCants.

Imani Bryant paced the Bison with 16 points and eight rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Thornton chipped in 15 points. Williams and McCants each added 14 points.

Bears  junior Adre'onia Coleman finished with a game-high 20 points and eight boards to lead Morgan State. Chavis added 17 points, five boards, and three assists.

The Bison visit Savannah State on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.

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.