Women's Basketball

Kenley, Carlisle Lead Howard To Win Over SC State

Washington, DC-February 3-Lonice Kenley scored a career and game-high 18 points and Shannon Carlisle added 17 to lead Howard to an 85-50 win over South Carolina State in a Mid-Eastern athletic Conference women's game at Burr Gymnasium.

            The Lady Bison (3-17 overall, 3-8 in the MEAC), who won their second straight for the first time this season, bolted out to an early 25-8 lead and never looked back in coasting to a 47-21 halftime advantage.  Kenley, who started in place of injured Christina Aden, tallied 12, all on three pointers and Carlisle scored 11 in the first 20 minutes.

            "It is a lot different starting," admitted Kenley.  "I felt more relaxed and was able to get rhythm on my shot early.  But it really doesn't matter whether I start or not because we all have roles on this team."

            The Lady Bulldogs (5-16 overall, 3-8 in the MEAC), who defeated Howard, 75-60 on January 6, came into the game short handed, dressing only nine players.  It resulted in 13 first half turnovers and 18 percent shooting (6 of 32).

            "We are a different team," said Howard Coach Cathy Parson.  "Their attention to instruction is better and they are developing a hunger to be successful.  It is showing in our energy at the beginning of games and in execution."

            Carlisle, who kept SC State off-balance with her three-point shooting, drives to the basket and passes to teammates in transition was a key to Howard 20 fast break points.

            "I am picking my spots better now," said Carlisle, who added 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.  "A lot of what I do depends on defense.  I am able to generate more offense for myself and the team when we play good defense."

            The Lady Bison had a season-low 14 turnovers while recording 19 assists on 26 field goals.

            Courtney Smiley contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds for the Lady Bison while reserve center Tamaya Daniels grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds.  On a down note, Howard, which has already lost Aden for the season to surgery, will now be without starting forward Melloni Benson, who went down with a foot injury early in the second half.

            "You're talking about losing two key players from the starting lineup," said Coach Parson.  "We will miss their leadership more than the other things they bring to the court.  But we have people who will step up and meet the challenge."

            The Lady Bulldogs were led by Brittany Baity, who paced her team with 14 points and Janelle Moore who recorded a double-double of 12 points and 16 rebounds in a losing cause.

NEXT UP: SC State travels to Princess Anne, MD to take on Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday at 5:30 pm while Howard hosts North Carolina A&T on Monday at 6 pm.

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