Three double-figure outings lead Howard to a 67-54 victory over Coppin State

BALTIMORE, Maryland   --  (www.howard-bison.com)  – With a double-double from senior Saadia Doyle, double-figure performances from senior Kara Smith and freshman Victoria Gonzalez and a season-high 14 assists from senior Cheyenne Curley-Payne, the Howard University women's basketball team defeated the Lady Eagles of Coppin State 67-54 on Monday, Jan. 7 in Baltimore, Md., at the Physical Education Complex.

In their second Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference win of the season, MEAC Player of the Week (January 7), Doyle notched 26 points and 15 rebounds on a perfect 6-of-6 from the charity stripe, a perfect 2-of-2 from behind arc and a 9-of-17 outing from the field. Smith, who was also an exceptional 2-of-2 from the free-throw line, finished with 18 points, as Gonzalez finished with 11 points on a 5-of-6 performance from the field.

The mighty blue and white notched a season-high 92 percent from the charity stripe (12-13), while going 50 percent three-point range (7-14) and 45 percent from the field (24-53).

Howard advances to 7-6 on the season, 2-0 in the MEAC and 2-5 on the road.

Even with HU defeating CSU by 13 points, the contest encompassed numerous runs that sent the Lady Bison on their heels.

During the first 20 minutes of play, Howard reached an 11-point lead by the 12:04 mark, but turnovers by HU permitted Coppin State to hit a 16-5 run and come within one, 21-20.

HU regained its composure and paced a short 6-2 run, which Smith topped off with a three pointer at the five second mark for a first-half seven point 29-22 lead.

Following the halftime intermission, Howard commenced a 14-3 run for the largest lead of the night at 15 for a score of 43-28 by the 11:44 mark.

Coppin State broke through the double-figure margin lead on an 8-2 run, 45-36.

HU retained another dominant lead by the 7:19 mark with a score of 54-40.

By the final two minutes of the contest, Coppin State came within six, nonetheless a final three pointer from Smith and a pair of free throws from Gonzalez halted Coppin State and secured Howard's 67-54 win.

Howard returns home to host Hampton University on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 2:00 p.m. and Norfolk State on Monday, Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m., both contests will be held in Burr Gymnasium.

For more information on Howard University women's basketball, visit the official athletics website at www.howard-bison.com.

Box Score


By Ariel V. Germain, Assistant Sports Information Director
Howard University