WASHINGTON (November 9, 2023) - Using some stifling defense and the scoring of sophomore Nile Miller (Haddonfield, N.J.), redshirt freshman Tyana Walker (Leawood, Kan.) and newcomer Janyah Bohanon (Cleveland), the Howard University women's basketball team pulled away to a 58-39 win over Mount St. Mary's (MSM) in a nonconference game at Burr Gymnasium.
 
The Bison (1-1), set the tone early, using their full-court press to make life miserable for The Mount (0-1). Howard rode its defense to take an 18-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.
 
Walker led the way with nine of the team's 18 points in that quarter.
 
MSM had problems with the press and even when they broke it, Howard forced them into 8-of-21 shooting from the floor.
 
"We talked about setting the tone this game – and moving forward – because we didn't do a good job versus George Washington," noted Howard Head Coach Ty Grace. "When we are aggressive and smart, we see success in our defensive pressure."
 
Fifth-year guard Iyanna Warren (Accokeek, Md.) got into the scoring act to keep the visitors at bay going into the half, 32-28.
 
Then, Mount St. Mary's made some adjustments and went on a 7-0 run to start the third quarter to take its first lead of the game, 29-28, at the 7:30 mark of the third period.
 
Grace then went to her bench and responded with a 10-4 run to take a 38-33 lead headed into the fourth quarter.
 
That is when the defense played perhaps one of its best fourth quarters in recent memory.
 
"I was happy with our bench play," Grace commented. "It made a statement that they were ready to play and everyone stepped up. Janyah is very talented, but still learning and growing. I'm proud of how she's responding after being thrown into the fire."
 
After Mount St. Mary's scored on a Jo Rai jumper with 1:10 left in the third quarter, the Howard defense turned up the heat and held them scoreless for over 11 minutes. The visitors did not score until there were just 39 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
 
Miller led all scorers with 14 points, followed by Walker with 11 points. Bohanon and Warren each finished with nine points in the victory.
 
Howard forced 23 MSM turnovers and converted them into 20 points.
 
"I'm looking forward to the team being consistent and having another good defensive stance," said Grace of the team as it moves forward. "We know what we're capable of, but we have to make sure we are playing the way we know how."
 
NEXT UP: Howard travels to Durham, New Hampshire to play the University of New Hampshire Sunday (Nov. 12) at 5 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
 
For more information visit the Howard Athletics website www.HUBison.com.