Howard Extends Win-Streak to Six with 58-50 Win Over B-CU

HEAD COACH NIKI REID GECKELER

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Washington, D.C. -- The Howard Women's basketball team defeated Bethune Cookman 58-50 on Feb. 13, in Burr Gymnasium. With a record of 19-7 overall and 11-2 in MEAC play, HU advances its streak to six and improves home record to 9-1.

Tamoria Holmes and Saadia Doyle each tallied a game-high 18 points. Doyle added 13 rebounds to her stat line, achieving her 12th double-double of the season. Cheyenne Curley-Payne finished the contest with a solid performance of six points, four rebounds, and a game-best eight assists.

Before regulation began, Howard was called for an administrative technical foul. BCU converted on 1-of-2 free throw attempts.

With the one point advantage, HU opened regulation with a jumper from inside the paint by Holmes at 18:19. BCU's Jalisa Isaac answered with a three-ball from downtown, 4-2.

From there, both teams struggled to score over a three-minute span. Demetria Frank ended the drout with a basket, spreading the Wildcats lead to 6-2.

By the second media timeout, the score was knotted 9-9 from a shot behind the arc by HU's Zykia Brown. Doyle's bucket halfway through the period gave the Bison an 11-9 lead.

With 8:06 left in the first 20, the score was tied 13-13. BCU found some energy and proceeded to go on a 9-0 run for a 21-13 spread. Howard ended the run with a trey by Holmes at 3:55.

BCU scored the next two baskets which pushed the margin to 26-16.

Howard decreased the lead to 27-21 before breaking into halftime.

To jump into a more competitive second half, Kara Smith scored the first basket at 19:46 for a 27-23 score.

Both teams went back and forth until the 8:32 mark, which initiated an 8-0 run for HU. Howard achieved its largest lead of the game, 50-39 with just over five minutes left in regulation.

The Bison held on as they defeated the Wildcats 54-46 for their sixth straight victory.

Frank led BCU with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Cleniece Roberts chipped in with eight points and six rebounds.

HU will look to extend its streak to seven as it faces Coppin State on the road Sat Feb. 18 in Baltimore, Md. The match is set for 2 pm.

Follow Coach G's fan page on facebook to get a behind the scenes look at the team as they make their push toward the Big Dance: www.facebook.com/NikiGeckeler.

Written by Julee O'Neal, W. Basketball, Broadcast Journalism '13

Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Director of Sports Information
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