WASHINGTON (March 20, 2025) - When the Howard University women's basketball dropped a decision to Norfolk State (NSU) in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title game Saturday (March 15), it was a very painful loss for the Bison.
With Howard facing the prospect of another season-ending disappointment for the third straight year, the Bison were given a second chance, courtesy of the Women's Basketball National Invitational Tournament (WNIT).
The team has been invited to play in the Postseason WNIT, getting an automatic bid and squaring off against Siena College in Burr Gymnasium Friday (March 21) at 7 p.m.
"After the loss to Norfolk State, there was a lot of sadness and disappointment," said Howard women's basketball head coach
Ty Grace. "But then, we find out that we have been invited to the WNIT and there is a lot of excitement over being in the postseason plan. That is always the plan and we have been given a second chance. Now, we have a chance to redeem ourselves and we are grateful for the opportunity."
Howard will rely heavily upon the talents of All-MEAC selections junior forwards
Nile Miller (Haddonfield, N.J.) and
Zennia Thomas (Cleveland) and All-American guards
Destiny Howell (Queens, N.Y.) and
Saniyah King (Washington).
An All-MEAC First Team and All-Tournament selection, Howell has begun to find her rhythm of late with her improved all-around play. The graduate guard leads the team in scoring (15.1 ppg) and three-point made field goals (79). The sharpshooter, who can move up to No. 8 on the school's all-time scoring list, has recorded career-season highs in assists, steals and blocks.
A junior transfer forward from Kentucky, Thomas was named to the All-Tournament team after averaging 17.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in the three-day tournament.
Miller is especially effective on the defensive side and much of the reason that Howard has proven to be one of the best defensive teams in the nation. The 6-foot-1 junior does it on the boards while also leading the team in blocks and steals for the second straight season.
King was named the MEAC Rookie of the Year and an All-MEAC Second Team selection after averaging almost 12.0 points and 4.5 assists per game. The talented D.C. native ranks second among all freshmen in assists and several other categories. King did not have an especially good tournament, so she will be geared up to return to the form that is a key to the Bison's success on offense.
Howard was in the game with NSU, which will be playing Maryland in the NCAA Tournament First Round Saturday (March 22), but turnovers and lack of production from the bench and key reserves, proved to be the difference. The Bison got only five points from the other starters and just 12 points from their bench.
Siena (17-13, 14-6 MAAC) lost, 79-72, to Merrimack in the MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) Quarterfinals. The Saints come into the game on a three-game losing skid, following a February that saw them go on an eight-game win streak before the current losses.
"It's always a blessing to compete," said Siena women's basketball head coach Terry Primm, who is in his first season at the helm. "Howard is a great program with a great coaching staff and we are excited to go down to D.C. and play. We have a lot of respect for what coach Grace has built there. We are ecstatic to have qualified for the postseason for the first time in 10 seasons and we are honored to represent our alumni, administration and Siena Nation!"
Siena rides the talents of Teresa Seppala, a three-time All-MAAC First Team selection, who leads the team in scoring, averaging almost 17.0 points per game.
Ahniysha Jackson is also a formidable presence for Siena, averaging almost 16.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Anjah Brown is also a weapon for the Saints, averaging 10.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
The winner advances to the next round to face the College of Charleston. Date, time and location to be determined.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
