WASHINGTON (March 6, 2019)- On Thursday March 7, Howard's Lady Bison will clash with the Norfolk State Spartans in hopes to finish the season on a five-game win streak. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.

LAST TIME OUT
The Bison (17-11, 10-5 MEAC) defeated the Savannah State Tigers, 106-70, in Tiger Arena. The high score was just one point shy of tying Howard's 107-61 victory over Maryland Eastern Shore in 1994.

Sophomore guard Jayla Thornton had a career-high 33 points. She set a single-season program record, making 89 three-pointers this season. The performance earned Thornton MEAC's Player of the Week. Teammate Imani Bryant received Defensive Player of the Week. She had 11 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and three steals against the Tigers.

Howard had 46 points in the paint and 24 fast break points. The team was successful getting 23 points off of turnovers and 21 second chance points. As a team, the Bison's thirteen three-pointers set a program record for most three-pointers in a single game.

"I want the team to stay confident and understand this is another game we have to approach that's just as equally important as, all the rest," said head coach Ty Grace. "The Savannah State game was a great game, but it's over. So we have to move on to prepare for Norfolk, which we have. Staying prepared and understanding the game plan is key."

The Bison lead the conference in scoring offense, scoring margin, 3-point field goal percentage, offensive and defensive rebounds. Nationally, the Bison rank number five in rebounds per game and free throws made. They are ranked seventh in offensive rebounds.

SCOUTING THE SPARTANS
Norfolk State has had a solid season, going 9-6 in the MEAC, 14-14 overall. Their last game was a 59-56 loss in a close tug-of-war battle with Delaware State. Ranked fifth in MEAC standings, the Spartans look to end the season with a winning record on their "Senior Night" game, in Norfolk, Virginia. Norfolk leads the conference in field goal percentage, rebounding defense and assists.

"I know it will be a competitive game like the first time. They've struggled a bit their last few games, but it will be their senior night. So I anticipate them coming out very aggressive and determined for a different result than the first time we played. However, our team feels the same way. We're determined as well. We want to close out the regular season with a meaningful win, so we're ready to do whatever it takes." 

SERIES HISTORY
The two teams have met 47 times with Howard winning 33 of those meetings. This season, Howard edged a 74-70 win over the Spartans on the Bison's home court in Burr Gym. Coach Ty has won three of the five contests against Norfolk during her tenure.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Howard is currently ranked third in the conference. If the Bison secure the win over Norfolk they will receive a bye to avoid playing on the first day of the MEAC tournament. The tournament begins March 11, in Norfolk,VA.  

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.