WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Howard University women's basketball team, fresh off a historic season in 2021-22, will look to continue to build on last year's success when it hosts the Explorers of LaSalle University on Monday, November 7 at 7 pm in Burr Gymnasium.  The game will be streamed live on http://www.hubison.com. 

The first 250 students in the door will receive complimentary admission. Fans are encouraged to wear their Jordan 1s to the game for a chance to win $1,000.

The Bison last played LaSalle in Philadelphia, PA on December 11, 2020 and came away with a 75-72, come-from-behind win after trailing by 20 points.

The Bison lead the series, 2-1.

"I am sure that they remember that," says Howard head coach Ty Grace, in her sixth season. "They pose a serious challenge to us because they are a veteran team that is well coached. We are anxious to find out if we are better than last year, but more importantly, if we are up to the challenge of being a labeled an NCAA team."

Howard made history by being the first team in school history to advance past the first round of the NCAA Tournament following a win over Incarnate Word. The Bison finished last season 21-10.

The Bison has the luxury of returning a veteran team.

Leading the way for Howard is Iyanna Warren, a 5-3 senior guard from Accokeek, MD and the captain of the ship. Warren is a preseason All-MEAC first team selection.

Warren is a three-year starter and led the team with 110 assists last season.

"It is hard to really measure Iyanna's value to this program," says Grace, her leader, who has started numerous games during her career.  "She knows how to get people to respond to her. She leads by example. If it means getting on the floor for a loose ball on an important possession, hitting a key shot or knocking down free-throws or getting the ball to the right person in the right spot, Iyanna gets it done. She really makes coaching easy because she understands what we are trying to do and is able to convey it to her teammates."


Destiny Howell came on strong last season after showing flashes as freshman. The 5-11 junior from Queens, NY averaged almost 13 points while adding versatility with 33 assists, 42 steals, 14 blocked shots and 4.0 rebounds per game to go along with 31 steals. She was named Tournament MVP in the MEAC Tourney and is a preseason first team All-MEAC selection.

Brooklynn Fort-Davis is a very underrated player who plays an integral role in the team's success. The 6-0 senior from Chicago, IL averaged almost nine points per game and is among team leaders in rebounding at almost seven per game.  She was named to the MEAC Preseason All-MEAC second team.

Another proven veteran who has quietly and consistently made her presence felt over the last three seasons is Krislyn Marsh. Marsh averaged almost eight points in the team's balanced attack. She led the team in field goal percentage at 52-percent and in blocks with 32.  She is the leading returning rebounder with seven per game and has also been named to the MEAC Preseason All-MEAC second team along with teammate, Fort-Davis.

Kaniyah Harris is perhaps the best kept secret on the Bison squad. The 5-10 versatile junior guard came off the bench to average four points per game but she recorded 19 blocks from the guard position and led the team in steals with 46 and she was second in assists with 74.  She usually comes off the bench but there were times last season when she and Warren played at the same time and it proved to be very effective.

Coach Grace is very high on transfer Aziah Hudson.  A 5-6 graduate guard from Old Dominion University, Hudson brings yet another added dimension to the team.  

The Bison had two scrimmages in preparation for the season opener and she offer a couple of observations.

"The best takeaway from our two scrimmages is that we are a deeper team," notes Grace. "We still rebound at a high level, and we play solid team defense. The biggest difference is that with key veteran players, it makes it easier in bringing along the freshmen to play at this level."

The Explorers, who finished 16-12 and 9-6 in the Atlantic 10, pose a formidable opponent for Howard. LaSalle returns graduate guard/forward Kayla Spruill (15.9 ppg, 7.1 rebounds), senior forward Gabby Crawford (11.5, 5.3 rebounds per game), senior guard Claire Jacobs (10.3 ppg,) and graduate point guard Molly Masciantonio (5.6 assists per game).

NEXT UP: The Bison travel to Memphis, TN to take on the Memphis on Saturday, November 12 at 1 pm.  That game will be streamed on ESPN+