Howard Lady Bison Drop 59-56 Overtime Decision to UVA in WNIT

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia – The Howard women's basketball team dropped a 59-56 decision to the University of Virginia in first round action of the WNIT. The Lady Bison will end the 2011-12 campaign with a 24-9 mark – tying the program's record for most wins in a single season. The game also marks the first post-season bid for HU since 2001.

Saadia Doyle tallied her 15th double-double of the season with 16 points and a season-best 14 rebounds in 45 minutes of action. Tamoria Holmes tallied her 31st consecutive double-digit performance with 17 points. Kara Smith chipped in with eight points, while Cheyenne Curley-Payne recorded seven.

The first half was a tightly contested affair as both teams struggled offensively. HU gained a slim 13-12 advantage at the 7:03 mark off a Smith shot from behind the arc. UVA went on an 8-3 run the close the period for a 21-16 margin at the half – the largest deficit for either team.

In the second period, the Cavs were leading 34-26 at the 13:05 mark, before a Holmes triple ignited a 13-4 run over a six-plus span to take a 39-38 lead with just under seven minutes remaining. From there, both team exchanged baskets. A free throw by the Cavs Lexie Gerson tied it at 50-50 with 20 seconds on the clock. The Lady Bison had three opportunities within the last six seconds of regulation to win the contest, but was unable to convert on those attempts.

In the extra period, Zykia Brown hit a three-pointer at the four minute mark to open up scoring for a slim 53-50 edge. UVA took the lead with two consecutive baskets for a 54-53 score at 2:35. The Cavaliers pushed the lead to four, 57-53, but a Holmes three cut it down to one with just over a minute left. Two at the stripe by Gerson put UVA back up by three. Holmes shot a three as time expired, but it missed as Virginia gave the Lady Bison their ninth loss of the season.

Both teams struggled from the field as the Lady Bison were held to 29 percent shooting (20-for-29), and the Cavs a 33.3 clip (19-for-57). HU scored 13 points off 12 Cavalier miscues. Howard also won the battle of the boards 52-44.

For UVA, Gerson recorded 18 points. Ariana Moorer and Ataira Franklin tallied 14 and 13 points, respectively.

BOX SCORE

Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Director of Sports Information
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