NORFOLK, Va. (March 13, 2026) – Freshman guard
Ariella Henigan (Chicago) scored a career-high 22 points and senior forward
Zennia Thomas (Cleveland) added 14 points to lead the Howard University women's basketball team to a 65-50 win over Coppin State in the semifinal round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament at the Norfolk Scope.
The win advances Howard, the No. 1 seed, to Saturday's final against the winner of the Norfolk State-Maryland Eastern Shore game. It will be the sixth straight tournament final.
Using the scoring of Thomas, the Bison jumped out to a 15-8 first quarter lead and increased to 38-23 at the half. Thomas and Henigan each led the team with 12 points.
Meanwhile, the Bison defense, which has played a key role in the current 13-game win streak, again asserted itself, limiting the Eagles to 7-of-23 shooting from the field, including 2-of-6 from beyond the arc.
It is important note that Howard forced the Eagles in to 27 turnovers and turned into 23 points.
Howard went to its bench early and often as 11 different Bison received significant playing time.
With the defense keeping Coppin State in check, Henigan made sure that she would become a factor that earned her MEAC Rookie of the Year. The Chicago native is playing her best basketball, connected on 8-of-17, including 4-of-5 from three-point land. Henigan has converted on 24-of-26 from the free throw line over the past four games.
"I just wanted to remain calm out there," said Henigan. "This is bigger than a regular season and a lot on the line. My teammates had a lot of confidence in me so it helped me relax and contribute."
Thomas, MEAC Player of the Year, put her usual numbers with 14 points, nine rebounds and a block.
Other contributors include redshirt junior guard
Zoe Stewart (Terre Haute, Ind.) with seven points and senior forward
Nile Miller (Woodbury, N.J.) with nine points, five rebounds and a career-high eight steals.
The Eagles were led by first team all-MEAC selection Khila Morris with 14 points and Sydney Burris with a double-double (12 points & 10 rebounds).
Tomorrow's MEAC Championship game is scheduled for 4 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.