MARCH 10, 2019 - Howard women's basketball will kick-off the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament with the opening game versus Florida A&M University on Monday, March 11 at 1 p.m. in Norfolk Scope Arena.

LAST TIMEOUT
In their final regular season game, the Bison fell to the Norfolk State Spartans, 70-59. Foul trouble and shooting woes stifled Howard early. With the top scoring offense in the MEAC, the Bison usually have higher scoring games and multiple playmakers for shots. The Spartans, however, coming off of a two-game losing streak were able to shut Howard out before they could really take off.

"We always take something away from every win and every loss. The Norfolk game was unfortunate. We didn't shoot the ball well and gave up a lot of points in the paint, but we know the mistakes we made," said head coach Ty Grace.

Averaging 72.9  points per game this season, the Bison were held to just 59 points. Norfolk State amassed 54 points in the paint, while Howard had only 12. At the free throw line, the Spartans went 7-for-9, shooting 77.8 percent. The Bison went 12-for-21, shooting 57.1 percent. The loss solidified the No. 5 seed for the Bison. Howard's regular season record is 17-12 overall and 10-6 in the conference. 

SCOUTING THE RATTLERS
As the No. 12 seed in the tournament, the Rattlers (4-22, 2-12 MEAC) have only won two conference games this year. However, FAMU has competed well in some of their losses against some of the conference's top teams. "FAMU is a streaky team. They play hard and have some good young players. We just need to be the more disciplined team and execute our offense," said Grace. "Controlling the boards will be key. I'm confident our team knows, what it takes to take care of business on Monday."

The Rattlers average 51.4 points per game, while their opponents average 67.8 points against them. In every statistical category, Howard has the advantage. The secret weapons for FAMU could be the on-court dynamics of Dy'Manee Royal, Mya Moye and Candace Williams. The trio are in the top 30 in scoring in the conference. Royal is in the top 10 for rebounding and field goal percentage.

"We are preparing for each opponent next week and the first one is FAMU. We have to continue to do the things that are successful for us, transition, offensive rebounding and limited turnovers. The tougher and smarter teams will win next week. It will be an exciting tournament."

MEAC HONORS
The Bison saw four of their student-athletes earn All-MEAC Honors. Sarah Edmond was selected for All-MEAC Second Team. Jayla Thornton and Ayonna Williams were placed on the All-MEAC Third Team. Krislyn Marsh earned All-Rookie Team honors.

Marsh, a three-time Rookie of the Week recipient, averages 9.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. She is in the top 10 in the MEAC in rebounding & field goal percentage.

In this season's opening week, Edmond was named MEAC Player of the Week. She ranks in the top five of conference players, averaging 15.9 ppg and 3.5 assists. She is currently 12 points away from reaching a career 1,000 points.

Thornton, current Player of the Week, leads the MEAC in 3-point field goals made and in free throw percentage (.904). Nationally, her 94 three-pointers this season places her at No. 14 in 3-point field goals made and No. 15 in 3-point field goals made per game.

Williams averages 12 points and four assists per game. She is No. 3 in the MEAC in assists, top 5 in free throw percentage and No. 4 in steals. Nationally, she ranks No. 88 in steals.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
If the Bison win their first round game, they will play Norfolk State for the third time this season, on Thursday, March 14 at 2 p.m. in the quarterfinals.

The preliminary games will be streamed live on FloHoops. Live statistics of all games will be available on the conference's official website and the tournament's official website, www.MEAChoops.com.

For tournament information, log on to www.MEAChoops.com. For the latest on MEAC sports, visit www.MEACsports.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.