NORFOLK, VA -- The Howard University women's basketball team (14-3, 10-2 MEAC North) opens play in the 2021 U.S. Reserve Air Force MEAC Tournament as the No. 1 seed from the conference's Northern Division in a noon semifinal on Friday, March 12 vs South No. 2 seed Norfolk State University (4-8, 3-5 MEAC).
Howard closed out the regular season on a five-game winning streak, defeating Delaware State, 80-74 on February 28 in Dover, DE. With the win, the Bison broke the all-time winning percentage (.824), the previous record (.800) was set in 1997 and recording a league-high eighth regular-season champion, the Bison first since 2001.
The semifinal game will be broadcast on FloHoops, while the championship game can be seen live on ESPN3 and tape-delayed on Sunday, March 14 on ESPNU. All Bison games will also be broadcast on
Scouting Norfolk St.
The Spartans advanced to the semifinals after defeating No. 3 north seed Coppin State in a low-scoring affair, 56-45. NSU had four players score in double digits versus Coppin State. The Spartans shot 38 percent (21-of-56) from the floor and (4-of-22 3FG). Norfolk St. went on a 12-5 run to close out the game and advance to the semifinals.
NSU is lead by Jalynn Homes and Mangela Ngandjui. Both were named to the All-MEAC second team, Ngandjui was also voted to the inaugural All-Defensive team.
About Howard
Howard's head coach
Ty Grace, the 2021 MEAC Coach of the Year, brings a dynamic roster to the tournament, led by 2021 MEAC Player of the Year
Jayla Thornton (Newark, N.J.) and Rookie of the Year
Anzhane' Hutton (Cedar Hill, TX.). Hutton took home All-MEAC second team, All-Rookie, and All-Defensive team honors after a prolific season. Hutton racked up six rookie of the week and a player of the week honors Thornton was voted to the All-MEAC first team.
Iyanna Warren was voted to the All-MEAC third team. Warren ranks 32nd in the NCAA with 86 assists, she recorded 14 assists versus Delaware State (1/30/21) a Howard modern-day record.
Kaiya Creek (Seat Pleasant, MD) was also named to the all-rookie team, Creek started the season strong, scoring double-digits in her first four games of her career, scoring a season-high 23-points versus George Washington, knocking down five shots from long distance.
ALL ABOUT THE ROOKIES
Coach Grace brought in six freshmen this season, five saw significant playing time throughout the season. The rookies combined for 10 rookie of the week honors (Hutton (6), Howell (2), Creek (2)), and two players of the week honors (Hutton, Creek). Hutton nearly averaged a double-double this season, 11.8 PPG and 9.8 RPG.
At times Coach Grace had four freshmen on the floor at a given time.
Howell ended the regular season scoring in double-figures in four straight games, finish with a career-high 15 points versus Delaware State.
MEAC MOST PROLIFIC SHOOTER
Thornton became the deadliest sharpshooter in MEAC history breaking the 3-point made mark in the third quarter off a dish from Warren, versus Morgan State. Thornton ended her regular-season career with 270 made three points shots, in 104 games.
MEAC Tournament
Howard has won a record 11 MEAC Tournament Championships. The Bison is on a 20-year drought, the last one coming in 2001.
Racking Up Postseason Awards
For the first time in History Howard brought home Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Rookie of the Year.
The only time Howard brought multiple awards was the 2001-2002 season when former head coach Cathy Parson and two-time player of the year Andrea Gardner.
The Series: 53nd meeting
Howard leads 33-19. Norfolk has won the last five games versus the Bison.
The Spartans sent Howard home last season in the quarterfinals of the 2020 MEAC tournament, the last game before Covid-19, shutdown sports nationwide.
UP NEXT:
The winner will head to the finals, to face the winner of North Carolina A&T and Morgan State, Saturday, March 13 on ESPN3.
