GREENSBORO, N.C. (February 22, 2020) – Howard University women's basketball team held the upper hand over North Carolina A&T State (NCAT) for more than 24 minutes until the Aggies' big third-quarter would give them their first lead of the contest and eventually the victory, 55-60, inside the Corbett Sports Center.
 
NCAT outscored HU, 11-29, after intermission while shooting nearly 59-percent (10-of-17) in the third period.
 
North Carolina A&T State had their largest advantage after a layup from Deja Winters with 7:38 remaining, 37-52, but Howard refused to go away.
 
Senior guard Ayonna Williams (Washington) led the charge, despite fighting foul trouble all game. The D.C. native sparked a 10-0 run and sliced the deficit to five, 47-52, but committed her fifth foul with less than four minutes left. She finished her afternoon with a team-leading 15 points and five boards in 23 minutes of action.
 
HU cut the margin down to four after a pair of freebies by freshman guard Iyanna Warren (Accokeek, Md.), 51-55, but NCAT would regain the momentum with clutch shots down the stretch and keep the Bison at bay.
 
Sophomore guard Gia Thorpe (Pittsburgh) produced 12 points on 3-of-6 shooting from downtown while third-year sharpshooter Jayla Thornton (Newark, N.J.) netted 11 points, along with a career-high four steals, in the loss.

Howard jumped out to a double-digit lead after one, 21-7, but unable to find their rhythm in the second period, which allowed NCAT to get back into the contest before halftime. HU scored only four points in the quarter, all from the charity stripe.
 
North Carolina A&T State (17-8, 9-4 MEAC) outscored HU in the paint, 12-32, while scoring 27 points off turnovers.
 
NCAT's Alexus Lessears notched a double-double (11 rebounds and 10 points) while Cinia McCray had a game-high 16 points. Jasmen Walton chipped in 12 points off the bench.
 
HU (14-11, 6-6 MEAC) continues its road swing in Durham, N.C., for a crucial conference showdown against North Carolina Central. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.