Howard Women earn a much needed home victory in tough win over Coppin State

Destiny Howell shines as Howard halts two game losing skid.

By Ray Rogers (@UrbanSports_Ray)

Following consecutive blowout losses, the Howard Bison women's basketball team returned to the court at Burr gymnasium to face the Coppin State Eagles. To say a win was necessary heading into Monday's matchup would've been an understatement as the Bison's previous two defeats came by a combined total of 49 points versus conference opponents, Norfolk State and Morgan State.

Setting the Tone

From the outset of Monday's clash, Howard played like a group who wanted to eliminate the thought of recent struggles; amidst a first quarter where the Bison outscored Coppin State 15 - 4. The Bison set the tone defensively while holding Coppin State to just one field goal for the entire quarter. Coppin State finished the first quarter shooting 1 -19 from the field, including 0 - 7 from three-point range.  

With such a cold start for Coppin and Howard locked in defensively, it appeared as though the Bison would cruise to an easy home victory. However, the second quarter featured a more competitive battle that saw Coppin State ramp up efforts on the defensive end. The Eagles shooting woes remained but a more concerted effort on both ends resulted in a 7 - 0 run with just over seven minutes to play in the half. 

The Bison shot 3 - 17 from the field in the second quarter and entered halftime with a nine-point advantage while leaving Coppin State a glimmer of hope.

Second Half Showdown 

Coming out the locker room facing a road deficit, it was clear Coppin State would need to make second half adjustments. With her team struggling to score, Coppin State sophomore guard Jewel Watkins began imposing her will in a manner that can only be compared to the likes of Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. Watkins began firing from the perimeter at a high rate and after sinking her third three-pointer in the second half, the Howard lead was reduced to four points with 3:32 left to play in the third quarter.

Watkins, who had six points at the half ended the third quarter with 15 points to go along with 10 rebounds. 

Destiny Howell steps up to the challenge

Being led by Watkins, Coppin State refused to go away.  The Bison needed someone to step up. For Howard head coach Ty Grace that player was Destiny Howell. The junior guard entered the fourth quarter with just nine points, but that would change in a hurry. In a final period that saw Coppin grow further relentless to overtake a Bison team that led from the opening tip; it was Howell who was the difference maker. 

Howell scored 11 points in the fourth quarter including a back breaking jumper with 46 seconds left to put Howard ahead by four. 

That would be the final margin as Howard defeated Coppin State 62 - 58.

Howell led Howard in scoring with 20 points. Unsurprisingly, Watkins equaled that output with 20 points to lead Coppin State.

In the aftermath of what turned out to be a tight ball game, Coach Ty Grace could breathe a sigh of relief. "I am very happy to get the win obviously," exclaimed Grace, whose Bison team continues conference play at home on Saturday (1/28) against North Carolina Central.

Howard, the defending MEAC tournament champions, will look to utilize that experience from last season to garner a hot streak heading into February.