Boxscore

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Zykia Brown poured in a career high 32 points and Natalie Day recorded her second double-double of the season as Howard University rolled to a an easy 71-45 win over Norfolk State University in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women's game at Burr Gymnasium.

The Lady Bison, who snapped a three-game skid, came out of the blocks early, building a 38-20 halftime lead and never looking back in putting up their highest point total of the season.  Brown and Day led the way by combining for 29 of their team's points.

"We learned a lot from the first half of the North Carolina A&T game," said Howard coach Niki Reid Geckeler.  "To be able to play them close (Howard led 27-25 at the half before losing) helped us.  We came into this game with confidence."

The Howard defense is beginning to round into shape.  The Lady Bison (4-16 overall, 3-5 in the MEAC) used the same defense that limited N.C. A&T to 27 percent shooting the first half to throttle Norfolk State, which misfired on 21 of its first 28 shots.

"We realize that if we play consistent team defense, we do not have to press as much on the offensive end," said Brown, a sophomore guard, who also added a career-tying six assists to her stat line.

Day, a 6-0 freshman forward from Germantown, Md., has come on of late after a typical inconsistent freshman campaign.  She finished with 17 points and a career-high 12 rebounds and five steals.

"I am now beginning to catch up with the pace of the game," admitted Day.  "At first, I was behind in a lot of areas but now I am feeling more comfortable out there.  And I am getting a lot of support from teammates."

The Spartans (0-18 overall, 0-8 in the MEAC) are in a rebuilding mode under second year coach Tara Owens.  They shot only 23 percent from the field and gave up 22 points off turnovers.

Tiora Hackley came off the bench to lead Norfolk State with 15 while Whitney Long added 11.

GAME NOTES: The Lady Bison have cut down their turnovers in recent game...After averaging more than 25 over the first half of the season, they are averaging almost seven less per game...Howard recorded a season-best 10 blocked shots...The 71 points also marked a new season-high...Morgan Neal had a solid game for the Lady Bison with eight points and eight rebounds.

NEXT UP:  Norfolk State will be looking to get their first win when it hosts Bethune-Cookman on Saturday at 4 pm.  Howard will host the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday at 2 pm.