WASHINGTON (November 26, 2023) – Redshirt freshman guard Tyana Walker (Leawood, Kan.) scored a team-high 18 points but another poor scoring fourth quarter and the scoring of Manhattan's Nitzan Amar proved to be too much to overcome as the Howard University women's basketball team dropped a tough 53-50 decision to the Jaspers in a nonconference showdown at Burr Gymnasium.
 
In what is becoming an all-too-familiar scenario, Howard (1-7) got off to a good start, parlaying the scoring of Walker and rock-solid team defense to build a 39-32 advantage headed into the fourth quarter.
 
As has been the case in recent games, the Bison went cold, missing 9-of-13 shots. Yet, despite that factor, they still managed to stay close. Walker and junior forward Vanessa Blake (Summerville, S.C.) were able to generate just enough offense to keep the game within range despite falling behind.
 
Manhattan (3-2) went on an 18-8 run during an eight-minute stretch to take the lead, 50-47, with a little over a minute remaining. Then, Howard fifth-year guard Iyanna Warren (Accokeek, Md.) hit a three-point bomb to tie the score at 50 with 30 seconds remaining.

"We are not frustrated and upset enough about being 1-7," commented a frustrated Howard Head Coach Ty Grace. "We have to start closing out games because 35 minutes of good basketball isn't enough. We need 40 minutes and to be on the right side of the score board."
 
Amar, who scored 12 straight points for the visitors in the crucial fourth quarter, converted on one of two free throws to give her team a 51-50 lead. The Bison were unable to score and Manhattan secured the victory with two free throws to seal the deal in the last seconds.

"We have to make better in game adjustments when players start to get a hot hand," noted Grace, referring to the scoring of Amar. "Once someone proves they are shooting well and having a good offense game, we have to be more aware and focused on containing them. We didn't do that today."
 
Walker added four rebounds and three assists to her totals.
 
Sophomore forward Nile Miller (Haddonfield, N.J.) contributed eight points and four rebounds before fouling out and Blake finished with seven points and four rebounds in the loss.
 
NEXT UP: Howard travels crosstown to take on Georgetown Thursday (Nov. 30) at 7 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.