Howard University women's basketball team earned another major win over Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) rival Norfolk State (NSU), 59-55, at Burr Gymnasium.
 
With the win, HU finished the regular season with a 14-13 overall mark and 10-4 in league play.
 
"Today's win meant a lot, especially because they came out in the beginning of the season and beat us pretty bad," said junior guard Destiny Howell (Queens, N.Y.). "So, we had to get this win before going to the MEAC Tournament. Just another boost of confidence before we go in."
 
Entering the contest, these two teams have built one of the league's best rivalries. Last season, both programs split the regular season crown, but the Bison beat Norfolk State in the conference tournament to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Tensions continued Thursday night with four technical fouls, two assessed on each team.
 
Howard won the opening tip and graduate guard Aziah Hudson (Massapequa, N.Y.) knocked down a major three-pointer on the first possession to set the tone. Shortly after, Hudson drove to the basket to put the Bison's next set of points on the board. Graduate forward Krislyn Marsh (Houston) came up big with a steal, followed by a great pump-fake layup.
 
Although the Bison came out swinging, Norfolk State maintained composure and capitalized on opportunities, putting them in the lead for most of the period. However, in the last minute of the first quarter, the Bison battled back, taking the lead, 16-14, after one.
 
In the second period, sophomore guard Nyla Cooper (Fayetteville, N.C.) immediately entered the game and contributed to the score with a jump shot. Howard gained momentum, winning several offensive rebounds and having a terrific shooting performance. Howard's ball movement opened the game tremendously, allowing multiple players to contribute.
 
Junior forward Kaiya Creek (Seat Pleasant, Md.) knocked down her second three of the night, stretching the Bison's lead to 14 points.
 
In the first half, the Bison outshot NSU with a 46-percent field goal percentage to the Spartans' 28-percent.
 
To open the second half, the Bison brought another level of energy to the court that exceeded the first.
 
The Bison started the fourth quarter with a nine-point lead. Although Norfolk State created opportunities to get back into the game, they were unable to execute as efficiently as they did in the first half.
 
Even with great defensive play from both teams, the Bison continued to create opportunities. Norfolk State narrowed the game down to two points with 30 seconds left.
 
Although the Bison played a great game, Norfolk showed heart, making the game a difficult one to pull through. The Bison remained unphased and changed the course of the matchup.
 
Howell led the team with 25 points. Senior forward Brooklynn Fort-Davis (Chicago) finished with a double-double (12 boards and 10 points) in the win.
 
Before the game, head coach Ty Grace and the women's program recognized three graduating Bison: Fort-Davis; Hudson and Iyanna Warren (Accokeek, Md.).
 
Howard begins MEAC Tournament play (March 8-11) inside the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va.
 
"Going into the tournament, we really need to be even more locked in," Howell continued. "We really need to focus on what we're doing and not focused on anyone else."
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.