Richmond, VA--Something will have to give on Wednesday when the Howard University women's basketball team takes on Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in their final non-conference matchup of the year. The game tips off in the Siegel Center at 6 pm and will air on ESPN+. There will be live stats available.

The Bison (3-9) and VCU (3-8) are both in need of a win as they both share a four-game losing streak. Howard, which has had problems scoring as of late (only 57 points per game over the last four matchups), fell behind big and early at Duquesne, but rallied with a strong second half to come away with a 68-56 setback. In that game, Aziah Hudson scored a career-high 19 points and Brooklynn Fort-Davis came out of her slump, tallying 17 points and six rebounds, but there was a little help elsewhere. Team-leading scorer Destiny Howell played only five minutes contributing three points while backcourt mate, senior Iyanna Warren, the team's second leading scorer, came off the bench to play six minutes and finish with only three shot attempts.

"I think every team needs that significant break where they can decompress and digest all that has transpired from the first half of the season," assessed Howard Head Coach Ty Grace. "You have a chance to evaluate where you are, and where you need to be, come March (tournament time). We have unfortunately been riddled with some injuries, and shooting woes, so it definitely gives some time for rest and recovery. However, the preparation doesn't stop. We need to get ready for a very good VCU team." 

Prior to the Duquesne game, Howell had averaged almost 17 points in the previous four games. Hudson, a graduate transfer from Old Dominion University, on the other hand, continues to be the most consistent performer during this slide. The 5-7 guard has scored in double figures in five of the last six games and eight of the last 10 overall, raising her season average to 11.2 points per game, good for second best on the team.


For the Bison to turn things around, they will also have to get more production from their bench of Kaiya Creek, and Kaniyah Harris.

"We need to work on playing complete games; one half isn't good enough to win," explained Coach Grace. "So we have to start putting together two good solid halves of basketball in order to see more success. We are fully capable; we just need to execute better, stay confident, and finish games." 

The Rams have had similar problems. Their last two scheduled games in a tournament were canceled so thus, they have not played since December 10th. Prior to the two canceled games, VCU had also dropped four in a row, the last, a 61-56 decision to Gardner-Webb. The Rams have also had problems scoring the basketball: During the drought, VCU has averaged only 52 points.

The Rams are led by junior guard Sarah Te-Blasu who leads the team in scoring (14.5 ppg), assists (28), and steals (20). Freshman guard Mary Anna Asare averages 8.4 points and is the team's second-leading scorer.

"I know that VCU will be prepared and well coached," cautioned Grace of her opponent. "Although they have lost four in a row, they still are a very talented team. They are playing at home and they are well rested."

BISON NOTES: Hudson needs 22 points to reach the 1,000-point plateau in her combined career at ODU and now at Howard. Fort-Davis joined the 500 career rebound company in the loss at Duquesne.

THE SERIES: The two teams have met only once and the Bison prevailed, 89-66 in 2005.

NEXT UP: Howard gets a few days off before opening MEAC play against the Hornets of Delaware State in Burr on January 7 at 2 pm.