NORFOLK, Va. (February 29, 2020) – Howard University women's basketball team ended its five-game road swing with a 60-69 overtime loss at Norfolk State (NSU) inside Echols Hall arena. With the setback, HU dropped to 14-13 (6-8 MEAC) on the season.
 
With only seven ticks left in regulation, senior guard Ayonna Williams (Washington) connected on a pair of clutch free throws and forced overtime against the Spartans. The D.C. native finished her afternoon with a team-high 18 points, seven boards and three dimes.
 
Howard was unable to find its rhythm in OT, missing all five attempts while committing four turnovers. NSU took advantage, shooting 50-percent (3-of-6) in the period and scoring four points off turnovers.
 
HU outrebounded the Spartans, 48-40, led by senior forward Imani Bryant (Berkeley, Calif.) flirting with a double-double (10 points and nine rebounds).
 
NSU held a 10-point lead after one, 12-22, but third-year guard Tariah Johnson (Chapel Hill, N.C.) drilled a trey ball and put the Bison ahead, 27-25, with 1:18 remaining before intermission.
 
A pair of layups by Norfolk State's Mikaela Jones gave the Spartans a 29-27 edge at halftime.
 
Howard controlled the third quarter after opening the period on a 7-0 run, but the Spartans refused to go away. NSU's La'Deja James made a layup and sliced the margin down to two after three, 50-48.
 
The fourth quarter saw both clubs going back-and-forth with three ties and lead changes.
 
Sophomore Gia Thorpe (Pittsburgh) netted 10 points, six boards and three steals in the loss.
 
Four Spartans (17-10, 11-3 MEAC) reached double figures, led by Chanette Hicks with a game-high 20 points.
 
Monday (March 2), HU returns to The Hilltop where the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks await. Tipoff at 5:30 p.m. inside Burr Gymnasium.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.