COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 21, 2026) --- The Howard University women's team came out strong in the first 10 minutes but a 23-4 second quarter explosion proved to be its undoing as the Bison fell, 75-54, to Ohio State (OSU) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at the Schottenstein Center.
 
With the loss, Howard (26-8) closes its historic season.
 
With senior forward Zennia Thomas (Cleveland) and redshirt junior guard Zoe Stewart (Terre Haute, Ind.) leading the way, HU, the No. 14 seed in the Fort Worth region, was able to stay close, trailing only five, 20-15, to OSU, the No. 3 seed.
 
But Ohio State (27-7) stepped up its full court pressure and forced the Bison into miscues that the Buckeyes converted into points. The OSU defense forced Howard to miss 10-of-11 from the floor and only two field goals made while opening a 43-19 lead at intermission.
 
All Big Ten selection Jaloni Cambridge was able to do most of the damage, leading all scorers with 21 points, but received plenty of help from a balanced attack, featuring Ava Watson, Chance Gray and Kennedy Cambridge, who all reached double figures with 11 points.
 
The Bison were able play much better in the second half and kept the Buckeyes' high-powered offense (82 points per game) in check, but with such a substantial lead, Ohio State was able to secure the win and advance to the second round where they will take on the winner of No. 6 Notre Dame and No. 11 Fairfield.
 
Thomas, the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Player of the Year and Tournament MVP, again led her team in scoring while also corralling six rebounds.
 
"We came up short today," said Thomas. "But it gives us something to work hard for so that we can get here again. It is a good feeling to come here and know that you are representing Howard University, the MEAC and HBCUs. We are definitely looking to be back here."
 
Freshman guard Ariella Henigan (Chicago), the MEAC Rookie of the Year and All-Tournament selection, showed again why she is going to be a force to reckon with a Howard. Despite playing on a big stage for the first time, Henigan displayed the same confidence that she showed in the latter part of the season and in the MEAC Tournament. The tough-minded, Chicago native recorded her first career double-double (12 points & 10 rebounds) while adding a block and a steal in a losing cause.
 
"To come here to Howard and help put us on the map is something we can build on," noted Henigan. "To be here and represent Howard University is significant and it lets everyone know that this program is one to contend with in the future."
 
Stewart, an All-MEAC First Team selection, finished with 12 points, her season average, but no other Bison reached double figures in scoring.
 
Howard outrebounded Ohio State, 38-33, but the Bison were not able to match them in scoring as they shot only 33-percent (19-of-56) including 0-for-9 from beyond the arc, marking the first time that they have failed to make at least one three-point basket this season.
 
Despite the loss, the Bison have a lot they can hang their hats on:

• The 26 wins is the most by any Howard team, men or women, in program history
• The No. 14 seed is also the highest in school history
• The Bison recorded a wins at Power 4 opponent Cincinnati (Big 12)
• The Bison brought a season-high 14 game win streak into the tournament, which was the second-longest in the nation

 
It is important to note that three of Howard opponents, Fairfield, Syracuse and Virginia, all made the NCAA Tournament.
 
The Bison came away with the MEAC Player of the Year (Thomas), Rookie of the Year (Henigan) and Coach of the Year Ty Grace.
 
"The year 2022 was an important year for this program," said Grace. "We were able to make it to the NCAA Tournament and get a first four victory. From there, it has been a goal to build on that and get here every year. Well, it took a while but here we are. This was a great experience despite the loss. We now know what we have to do to continue to get back here again next year."
 
Ray Rogers, Urban Sports Scene, contributed to this story.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.