Howard tops Morgan State in low-scoring affair to advance in MEAC tournament

 The Howard Bison Women’s basketball team defeated Morgan State 49 - 44 in the quarterfinal round of the 2024 MEAC tournament

By Ray Rogers

Norfolk, VA - The Bison were victorious in the two regular-season meetings including a 23-point blowout at Burr Gymnasium on February 24th. In the two matchups, Morgan State combined for a staggering 49 turnovers. 

Today’s game had a different feel. It had a tournament feel, as Morgan protected the ball while staying calm under the full-court pressure that Howard is so well known for. Offensively, both teams had the same approach, attack the basket. Each teams traded free throws to start the contest, but after 5-plus minutes of play, Howard grabbed an eight-point advantage with a score of 11 - 3.    

A Morgan State timeout, preceded an 11-0 run to give the Bears a 14 - 11 lead with 1:40 to play in the first quarter. 

After one quarter, the two teams were knotted at 15-15.

The back-and-forth action ensued in the second quarter, however, the scoring slowed on both sides as Morgan State shot a frigid 21% and Howard 27.3% in the period.

Halftime Score: Howard 26 Morgan 24

In the third quarter, both teams remained stagnant offensively as Morgan State shot 16% on 2/12 from the field and Howard 30.8% on 4/13 shooting. Despite the shooting woes, the Bison would grow their advantage as senior Kaiya Creek made the lone three-pointer of the quarter which provided breathing room at 33 - 27 with 4:50 remaining in the period.  

Howard entered the fourth quarter ahead by 10 which proved insurmountable as the Bison maintained the advantage for good despite being outscored 15 - 10 in the final stanza. 

Morgan State was successful in reducing the number of giveaways compared to their previous meetings with the Bison, but still committed 18 turnovers leading to 20 Howard points which proved to be the difference. 

Following the game, Howard Sophomore forward and all-MEAC defender Nile Miller expressed feeling confident that the Bison would cause havoc defensively.  

“I feel like every time we’re in a game we expect [the other team] to turn the ball over. We’re very active, especially Duece, I love trapping with her”. Miller is referring to fifth-year senior point guard Iyanna Warren affectionately known by teammates and coaches as “Deuce”. 

Warren led all scorers with 15 points.

With the victory, the Howard Bison now await the winner of #3 North Carolina Central and #6 Delaware State which tips off on Thursday, March 14th at 2 pm.

North Carolina Central swept the season series with Howard including a 70-64 OT victory at Burr Gymnasium which was the only home defeat in conference for the Bison.