WASHINGTON (December 13, 2025) – Senior forward Zennia Thomas (Cleveland) scored nine of her 11 points in the second half and made two key blocks, but it was two clutch free throws by redshirt sophomore guard April Edwards (Little Rock, Ark.), that helped the Howard University women's basketball team hold off Hampton, 64-60, in the Battle for the Real HU at the Care First Arena in Southeast D.C.
 
Howard (8-5) and Hampton battled toe-to-toe before the Bison managed a 17-13 lead at the end of the first quarter, mostly due to a 7-of-15 shooting performance.
 
Then, the Bison went to their improving bench and substituted the entire starting lineup, and it proved to effective as Howard outscored their rival, 22-13, to take a 39-26 lead to the locker room.
 
Next, the Pirates turned up the heat, forcing Howard turnovers, including 12 in the second half, parlaying the scoring of Aaryn Battle, Kiarra McElrath and reserve Kayla Lezama, who combined for 18 of their team's points. Hampton closed what had been an 18-point deficit to seven, 53-46, at the end of three quarters.
 
The Bison had problems putting away the Pirates and each time they scored, Hampton would have an answer.
 
It then came down to the last four possessions of the game and it was Thomas who made her imprint on the game. The senior forward scored on a power move to extend the lead back to a two-possession game, 62-57, with less than two minutes left.
 
The Pirates attempted to get closer as they forced a Howard turnover after had what appeared to be an easy basket for the Pirates would have reduced the deficit to three. Then Thomas, who is having an outstanding season, came up with a blocked shot that would take wind out of the Pirates' sail.
 
Hampton (6-4) was again able to make it a one-possession game on a basket by McElrath, 62-60, but Edwards sealed-the-deal with a pair of free throws to propel Howard to victory, 64-60.
 
Thomas did not have a particularly good shooting as she connected on only 4-of-13 but she still managed a team-high 11 points, along with 10 boards. It was the fourth double-double of the year for Thomas and the four blocks are a career high.
 
No other Howard player reached double figures, but 11 Bison got into the scoring column.
 
The Bison were able to maintain their consistency as they held an opponent for under 60 points and limited them to 31-percent (15-of-48) from the floor and 26-percent from the three-point line.
 
Hampton did force the Bison into a season-high 23 miscues.
 
Hampton was led by Battle, who led all scorers with 16 points. McElrath and Lezama each finished with 12 points in a losing effort.
 
NEXT UP: Howard travels to Cincinnati to take on the Bearcats of the Cincinnati Tuesday (Dec. 16) at 6:30 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the official Howard Athletics website www.hubison.com.