Howard Women win third straight with victory over Morgan State

The Howard Bison women's basketball team earned a critical road victory with a 54 - 51 win at Morgan State

By Ray Rogers

Baltimore, MD– The two teams entered Saturday’s contest, forging different paths. The Howard Bison were riding a two-game winning streak and playing their best basketball of the season, while Morgan State, losers of two straight, were reeling from a 20-point blowout loss to crosstown rival Coppin State.  

From the outset, both teams brought intensity to the defensive side of the ball. The opening minutes featured multiple turnovers, with the first basket scored by Morgan State nearly two minutes into the game. Consecutive three-pointers by Kaiya Creek and Nile Miller gave Howard a 6- 2 advantage as back-and-forth action ensued as part of this fierce defensive battle. Howard began to gain an edge with full-court pressure late in the first quarter, which impacted Morgan State's offensive rhythm. 

Howard built a nine-point advantage with a score of 18 - 9 with 5:57 left in the first half. 

Toward the end of the first half, Morgan State began to find success against the full-court pressure, pulling to within three points at 26 -23. The two teams combined for 24 first-half turnovers. 

Seizing Momentum

Howard scored the first basket in the opening seconds of the third quarter and quickly forced Morgan State into a turnover to set the tone for the Bison. Garnering momentum early in the second half proved critical for Howard in a challenging road environment. 

Following the game, Howard head coach Ty Grace discussed that pivotal moment to begin the second half. “It was big; Morgan State is a real scrappy team; they're very aggressive, so it was important that we kind of set a tone,” said Grace, whose team forced 25 turnovers for the game. 

Howard’s defensive pressure remained critical as the Bison maintained a slight advantage throughout the second half, including an eight-point lead with just over five minutes remaining in the game. 

However, Morgan State steadily chipped away at the lead to pull even at 47-47 with 2:15 remaining in the half, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. A Nile Miller jumper helped the Bison regain the lead with 1:53 remaining. Miller also scored two critical baskets in the final minute to help Howard seal the victory, as a Morgan State three-point attempt failed in the waning seconds.    

Howard's Iyanna Warren scored 12 points, while Morgan State’s Laila Fair led all scorers with 17 points.  

Better Basketball ahead for the Bison

Despite winning three straight, Coach Ty Grace feels her team has yet to play its best basketball.  

“I don’t think this is our best basketball. I think we can play way better than what we’re playing right now. I think we’re just trying to be consistent, " exclaimed Grace, whose teams have gained a reputation for strong play late in seasons. 

 

Both teams resume action on Monday, January 29, as Howard stays on the road to play Coppin State while Morgan State heads south for a matchup with Norfolk State.