BALTIMORE, MD -- Hutton recorded her fourth double-double this season as the Howard University Bison women's basketball team defeated the Coppin State University Lady Eagles 79-60 on Saturday afternoon at PEC Arena.

With the win, Howard improves to 7-2 MEAC and 11-3 overall. Coppin falls to 2-7 MEAC and 2-9 overall. Howard now has a half-game lead over an idle Morgan State for the Northern Division title, The Lady Bears two games were postponed this weekend.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Coppin State got off to a quick start knocking down two from beyond the arc, taking an early lead, 6-0. Howard's Brooklyn Fort-Davis (Chicago, Ill.) stop the bleeding connecting on a putback to cut the lead, 6-2. Jayla Thornton, MEAC's all-time long-range shooter, connected from long range, cutting the lead, 6-5. The Lady Eagles extended the lead 8-5 on an inside jumper at the 6:34 mark. The Bison defense came alive in the final four minutes of the first quarter, forcing four-turnovers sparking an 11-0, to close the first stanza with an 18-8 lead. 

CSU opened the second stanza with five-straight points; Howard stood firm to extend their lead to as many as ten points and took a 34-27 lead into intermission. 

The Bison dominated the third quarter, outscoring their host 29-19. 

Howard cruised to victory in the fourth quarter. 

By The Numbers:

• Howard outscored Coppin 34-20 in the paint
• Howard outscored Coppin 30-9 in second-chance points
• Howard's bench outscored Coppin's bench 22-8
• Iyanna Warren (ACCOKEEK, MD) recorded a team-high 16 pts, joining Warren in double-figures Thornton (14), Fort-Davis (11), Destiny Howell (11), and Hutton (10)
• Hutton continues a strong freshman campaign, recording ten rebounds, two blocks, and an assist
• Howard's shot .444 (28-of-63) from the floor their best output since hitting .517 (31-of-60) versus Mount St. Mary's to kick off the season

Words From Head Coach Ty Grace:

Your thought on today's matchup?

Coppin is a solid team with a very good player in Aliyah Lawson. They play hard. With such an uncertain season , I'm always thankful for another opportunity to play. 


After falling behind early 6-0, you went on a 16-2 run; what were your thoughts?

We knew Coppin would come out aggressive, but we just needed to settle down. 


Warren paced the offense with 16pts, but the significant number for today was two turnovers; talk about her play?

She has been playing solid these past few games. She's been getting to the basket and being more aggressive offensively. She understands taking care of the basketball is one of her biggest responsibilities. When she makes good decisions, we are a better team. 

Hutton continues to play like a seasoned player, grinding out her fourth double-double of the season, six defensive rebounds; what else can be said about her play?

I think her play speaks for itself humbly. I hope that she can continue to press forward as we close out the regular season. 

The team knocked down 30-second chance points off 18 offensive rebounds; your thoughts about the team tenacity down low; out-rebounding Coppin 49-32?

I didn't think we were attacking the offensive glass the way we are capable, but we talked about that, and they made more of an effort to get down there and come up with some big rebounds on the offensive end. 

It was scoring by the committee today; 5 players scored in double-figures, and 11 players in total scored; was there a different game plan today?

No, there wasn't a different game plan; we always talk about having balance. Sometimes we do, sometimes we don't. I was happy to see multiple people contribute offensively.

Wade produced five rebounds off the bench in limited minutes; what did you see today?

Ja'la took full advantage of her time today; she was active and had some productive minutes. I was happy she saw some success in that time. 

The bench produced 21 points, led by Howell, your thoughts about the reserve coming up big today?

I was glad to see the contribution from the bench. It gives everyone some confidence when we have that balance. Destiny is a very solid shooter, and she showed her ability to knock down the three. 

Quick turnaround once again, are the ladies used to the schedule and should be well prepared for tomorrow?

I wouldn't say they are used to it, but they have certainly adjusted. They [team] have done a great job all season, being ready to go, no matter the circumstances. 
 

Up Next:

Howard will return to Baltimore, MD, Sunday for a scheduled 1 PM tip-off versus Coppin State.