Women's Basketball

Second Half Drought Dooms Howard

Washington, DC-January 27--Melloni Benson scored a team-high 18 points but it was not enough to offset a balanced scoring attack to Coppin State as Howard fell, 71-57 to the Eagles in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women's game at Burr Gymnasium.

            The Lady Bison (1-17 overall, 1-7 in the MEAC) stayed closed early in the second half and twice held a one-point lead.  But again, it was a case of missed opportunities.  Trailing by only four with a little under 10 minutes left, Howard had four chances to cut into the lead.  But three turnovers and a missed lay-up sealed their doom.

            The Eagles (13-6 overall, 8-0 in the MEAC), who have won 37 straight MEAC games, including tournament play, made Howard pay, running off an 8-0 run that sealed the deal.

            "We needed our point guards to give us quality minutes," said Howard Coach Cathy Parson.  "In the first half, we held our own, but we didn't get the breaks.  You have to give them (Coppin State) credit for being able to step up to another level."

            Coppin State, which is the two-time defending MEAC champion, got key plays from its veteran players and its bench when it needed it.  Rashida Suber scored six of her 11 in the second half and Tameika Noel tallied 10 of her team-high 18 after intermission.  Daniele Anders and Jenifer Martin came off the bench to score 18 between them.

            Howard was especially hurt by the absence of senior forward Courtney Smiley, who got into early foul trouble and never was able to get untracked.  Smiley, who had two double-doubles in the past three games, finished with four points in 18 minutes of play.

            "Courtney is such a warrior for us," said Coach Parson.  "She is a blue collar player.  To get those two quick fouls and have to sit down so quickly took her out of her natural game and hurt us in the leadership area."

NEXT UP:  Coppin State will look to keep its unblemished conference record intact when it travels to Princess Anne, MD on Monday to take on Maryland Eastern Shore at 5:30 pm while the Lady Bison will look to get their second win when they host Morgan State University at 6 pm in Burr Gymnasium.        

• Scoreboard
• Upcoming Games

Multimedia

Meet the Coach