Howard Women Fall Short In Loss To FAMU

Washington, DC-January 22-Courtney Smiley and Shannon Carlisle each scored 10 second half points to lead a furious comeback, but their efforts came up short as Howard dropped a 75-71 decision to Florida A&M University in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women's game at Burr Gymnasium.

            The Lady Bison (1-16 overall, 1-6 in the MEAC) trailed by as much as 14 points late in the second half before Carlisle (18 points) and Smiley (14 points, rebounds) combined for 13 points during 13-3  run that saw Howard take its biggest lead at 70-66 with 2:36 remaining.

            But the Lady Rattlers (11-8 overall, 7-1 in the MEAC) came right back to tie the game on a three-point shot by Thyeis Halley and a free throw by freshman Marke Freeman.

            Howard took the lead again briefly on a free throw by Reyna Gross before Freeman canned two free throws to take the lead for good at 72-71 with 1:18 remaining.

            The Lady Bison had chances but failed to capitalize as FAMU closed out the game with three free throws down the stretch that sealed the win.

            "We made mistakes down the stretch that kept us from winning," said Howard Coach Cathy Parson.  "If we cut down on the mental mistakes, we're going to be ok."

            Smiley, who has played well of late, had her second double-double in the past three games.

            "Courtney's a very resilient player," said Parson.  "She's a leader of the team and when you go through what we've gone through, she helps us bounce back."

            Parson lamented over the loss of both point guards, Carlisle and Gross, to fouls.

"When you lose your point guard, you're losing your head," said Parson.  "And when you lose your head, you're in trouble."

            The Lady Rattlers were led Freeman and Q'Vaunda Curry, who each scored 19 points and Secrett Anderson, who contributed 13 points.

            Melloni Benson added 12 points for Howard in a losing effort.

GAME NOTES: FAMU won the game despite shooting only 35 percent from the field and committing 25 turnovers...Howard again lost the rebounding battle, 54-36, including a 28-15 deficit on the offensive glass...Carlisle, who leads the MEAC in steals, added 5 more to her totals.

NEXT UP: FAMU hosts Delaware State next Saturday at 2 pm while the Lady Bison host two-time MEAC champ Coppin State at 2 pm.