WASHINGTON (November 30, 2023) - The Howard University women's basketball team turned in its best defensive fourth quarter performance of the season, holding Georgetown scoreless for almost seven minutes, but in the end, the Bison were not able to take advantage, resulting in a tough 45-43 loss to the Hoyas in a nonconference matchup at McDonough Gymnasium.
 
The game was a close affair throughout as neither team was able to get anything going offensively.
 
Georgetown (6-1) took a 42-38 lead early in the fourth quarter. It appeared as though that might be the final score until fifth-year guard Iyanna Warren (Accokeek, Md.) made a much-needed basket to get her team to within two, 42-40. During the scoring drought by Georgetown, Howard held them 0-for-6 from the field and forced four turnovers and several empty possessions. The problem was that the Bison went without scoring themselves for almost four minutes.
 
Then, Georgetown's Graceann Bennett ended the drought when she scored on a short jumper with 1:29 remaining to give the Hoyas what seemed like a big lead at 44-40.
 
After four scoreless combined possessions by both teams, Howard finally got a huge three pointer from redshirt freshman Tyana Walker (Leawood, Kan.) with 18 ticks on the clock.
 
With 18 seconds remaining, Howard still had a chance. But Cowan was fouled and made one-of-two free throws with eight seconds remaining.
 
Howard (1-8) had a last chance opportunity, but senior forward Kaiya Creek (Seat Pleasant, Md.) missed a jumper that would have tied the game.
 
"We had a lot of opportunities but we just didn't execute enough to put points on the scoreboard," notes Howard Head Coach Ty Grace. "We have to be shot makers, not shot takers."
 
For the game, the Bison limited the Hoyas to 30-percent (17-of-55) shooting from the field, including 2-of-20 from beyond the arc.
 
Howard even held the advantage of 46-40 on the boards. But in a game like this, some stats stick out: Georgetown connected on 9-of-11 from the free throw line while Howard missed 8-of-17. The Hoyas assisted on 14 of their 17 field goals and blocked nine Howard shots.
 
"Free throws have been an Achilles heel in past games and tonight," Grace commented. "But like I said before, it's a lack of focus and practice. Although we spend time on them, clearly, it's not enough. However, we will start to improve in that area."
 
The Bison were led by Warren with 13 points and sophomore forward Nile Miller (Haddonfield, N.J.) with 10 rebounds and six points.
 
Georgetown was led by Kelsey Ransom, who tallied a double-double (14 boards & 12 points), along with four assists and four steals in the win.
 
"First and foremost, we need rest, recovery and reset," Grace continued. "Heading into finals week, I want them to focus on that. We will have the time to reflect and make the necessary adjustments. Although we have not been in the win column, we are doing good things on the defensive end, we just have to start capitalizing on the offensive side of the ball."
 
NEXT UP: Howard gets a break before it resumes action Sunday, December 10, at Tulane. Tipoff at 2 p.m. (ET) / 1 p.m. (CT).
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.