HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (December 8, 2024) – Junior forward Zennia Thomas (Cleveland) recorded a double-double for the second straight game, but the Howard University women's basketball team fell just short, 55-52, in nonconference play at Hofstra (3-5) at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.
 
It was the third straight loss for the Bison.
 
A 6-foot-2 transfer from Kentucky, Thomas was coming off a career-high 25-point, 14-rebound performance in the road loss at Seton Hall Friday (Dec. 6). The junior forward shot 7-of-14 from the floor for 15 points while grabbing 11 rebounds.
 
The game was tightly contested throughout with Howard (5-5) trailing 12-11 at the end of the first quarter and 28-24 at the half. Neither team led by more than seven.
 
Redshirt sophomore guard Tyana Walker (Leawood, Kan.), the 2023-24 MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Rookie of the Year and MEAC Preseason All-Conference First Team selection, had her best game of the season, tallying 13 of her team-tying 15 points in the second half on 7-of-15 shooting from the floor.
 
Graduate guard Destiny Howell (Queens, N.Y.), 2022-23 MEAC Player of the Year, had 11 points, but she was only 4-of-16 shooting from the floor, including 1-of-10 from beyond the arc where she specializes.
 
Freshman guard Saniyah King (Washington), three-time MEAC Rookie of the Week, scored only two points, but she continues as team facilitator for her team. She was credited with six dimes and two steals in 40 minutes of play.
 
Despite its shooting woes (6-of-26 from three-point range), the Bison were able to keep it close by utilizing a 30-16 points-in-the-paint advantage and a 19-12 edge on bench points.
 
Trailing, 53-50, with two ticks left on the clock in the final quarter, Thomas scored on a power move to cut the deficit to one, 53-52.
 
Walker fouled Hofstra's Michaela Carter and she calmly sank both free throws to seal the win.
 
The Pride got a game-high 17 points Lanae Corbett, 13 points from Chloe Sterling and 10 points from Emma von Essene.
 
NEXT UP: Howard returns home to take on Army Friday (Dec. 13) at 2 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.