WASHINGTON (February 21, 2026) – Senior forwards Zennia Thomas (Cleveland) and Nile Miller (Woodbury, N.J.) each scored 15 points and redshirt junior guard Zoe Stewart (Terre Haute, Ind.) contributed 12 points to lead the Howard University women's basketball team to a 66-58 win over North Carolina Central (NCCU) in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) contest at Burr Gymnasium.
 
The win extended the Bison's streak to eight straight.
 
Howard (20-7, 10-1 MEAC) jumped out an early 18-8 lead to start the first quarter. Then, NCCU (8-17, 4-7 MEAC) matched the Bison with 12 second quarter points but HU still led, 30-20, at intermission.
 
With Thomas, Miller and Stewart all making baskets, the Bison were able to stave off any NCCU attempts to get closer than 10. Howard was able to extend its lead to 12 points, 50-38, at the end of the third quarter and appeared to be in a position to put the game away in the final stanza.
 
Then, the Eagles employed a full-court zone press that rattled the usual composed Bison team, which has had more than its share of late victories that were decided in the fourth period.
 
NCCU's Aniya Finger and Natalie Jasper combined to help cut the deficit to a one-possession game, 61-58, with 1:40 still remaining.
 
Following a Howard timeout, the Bison must have gotten the message given by head coach Ty Grace.
 
First, Thomas hit a straight on jumper from 15 feet with the clock winding down that gave Howard a 63-58 lead with 1:05 left in regulation. The Bison got a key block from Thomas at the defensive end and cashed in when Stewart knocked down a three-point dagger with 48 seconds remaining.
 
The Eagles never recovered as they failed to score as the rest of way.
 
With the win, Howard remains undefeated at home this season (10-0) and posted its third 20-plus win season since the 2021-22 campaign.
 
Miller, who continues to show incredible improvement this season, scored 15 points, grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double while dishing out three assists, blocking four shots and adding another steal to her team high for the season.
 
Thomas has been consistently the best player in the conference through the season. The Cleveland native barely missed a double-double with the 15 points and nine rebounds.
 
Stewart, who is in her first season and has become on the respected scorers in the MEAC, connected on 4-of-8 from the field, including 2-of-2 from the beyond the arc.
 
Freshman guard Ariella Henigan (Chicago) contributed eight points, four steals and three boards.
 
For the game, Howard won the battle in second chance points (16-9) and fast break points (15-8). HU shot 15 more free throws than the visitors and held a whopping 52-33 rebounding advantage.
 
Jasper led all scorers with 18 points while Tierney Coleman and Aniya Finger tallied, 14 points and 12 points off the bench, respectively.
 
NEXT UP: Howard closes out the home slate Thursday (Feb. 26), taking on Coppin State. Tipoff is schedule for 7 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.