WASHINGTON (March 2, 2020) – Howard University women's basketball team erased an 18-point deficit, but Maryland Eastern Shore rallied and escaped with a narrow 70-71 victory inside Burr Gymnasium on Organization Night.
 
Seniors Ayonna Williams (Washington) and Imani Bryant (Berkeley, Calif.) spearheaded the Bison's comeback bid. Williams filled the stat sheet, recording a game-high 23 points, seven boards, five steals and four dimes. For Bryant, the California native notched her second double-double of the season with a career-high 19 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.
 
HU held a six-point advantage after one, 18-12, but the Hawks caught fire in period No. 2. Eastern Shore shot 56-percent (10-of-18), including 5-of-6 from long range, and outscored Howard in the period, 12-25, and took a seven-point lead into the break, 30-37.
 
After intermission, the Hawks pushed their lead to double-digits entering the fourth quarter, 43-54.
 
Eastern Shore opened the fourth with a 7-0 run and held their largest advantage of the game, 43-61. HU refused to go away despite the outcome, going on a 13-2 spurt, while slicing the margin to six at the under-five media timeout, 57-63.
 
Howard's momentum continued after the short break, creating havoc on the defensive end with 13 points off turnovers in the period.
 
With 1:35 left, Bryant scored the go-ahead layup off an assist by second-year guard Gia Thorpe (Pittsburgh), but the Hawks' Brooklyn Bailey countered with a jumper to put Eastern Shore back ahead, 67-68.
 
Eastern Shore connected on 3-of-4 free throws down the stretch, but a clutch trey ball from Williams kept the Bison alive. After HU's timeout, the Hawks inbounded where they were able to run out the clock.
 
HU dominated the paint, outscoring 41-16, while capitalizing on 22 second chance points. Howard won the boards, 51-37, with sophomore Krislyn Marsh (Duncanville, Texas) pulling down nine rebounds in a losing effort.
 
For Eastern Shore (7-21, 4-11 MEAC), Adrienne Jones led the way with 13 points and eight boards while Amanda Carney chipped in 11 points off the bench.
 
With the setback, HU dropped to 14-14 (6-9 MEAC) on the season.
 
Thursday (March 5), Howard hosts Delaware State for Senior Night. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. at The Burr.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.