NCAA Basketball: Eagles Defeat Howard Women’s Hoops with Hot Shooting

Bison unable to slow down North Carolina Central 

DURHAM, N.C. (February 24, 2020) – Howard University women’s basketball team fell on the road at North Carolina Central (NCCU), 71-89, thanks to hot shooting from the Eagles.

(Photo Credit – Rodney Pierce)

NCCU shot over 69-percent (18-of-26) after intermission, including 85-percent (11-of-13) in the third.

Four Bison reached double figures despite the Eagles’ hot shooting, led by third-year sharpshooter Jayla Thornton (Newark, N.J.) with a team-leading 18 points. Senior guard Ayonna Williams added 16 points and seven dimes in the loss.

NCCU led throughout the first period and nearly midway through the second until sophomore forward Krislyn Marsh (Duncanville, Texas) scored a fast break layup to put the Bison ahead, 28-27, at the 6:39 mark.

Howard took control in the second period, extending their lead as much as five on multiple occasion, but North Carolina Central would close the gap to one at the break, 38-37.

NCCU’s Kieche White drilled a trey ball moments after halftime to spark a 16-5 run and give the Eagles a double-digit lead at the 5:12 mark, 53-43.

HU fought back and sliced the deficit to single digits, but North Carolina Central regained the momentum, thanks to a 33-point third quarter that gave the Eagles a 12-point advantage after three, 58-70.

Williams cut the margin to nine, 67-76, with more than five minutes remaining, but NCCU took control and finished the contest on a 13-4 spurt, 71-89.

Marsh and fellow classmate Gia Thorpe (Pittsburgh) each had 11 points in a losing effort.

For NCCU (10-16, 7-6 MEAC), Paulina Afriyie notched a double-double (24 points and 15 boards) while White and Anissa Rivera netted 21 and 23 points, respectively, in the win.

Saturday (Feb. 29), HU concludes its long five-game road trip in Norfolk, Va., against Norfolk State. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m. inside Echols Hall.

Two days later (March 2), Howard returns to The Mecca where the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks await. The action starts 5:30 p.m. inside Burr Gymnasium.