WASHINGTON, D.C.- With first place in the MEAC on the line, Howard delivered one of its most complete defensive performances of the season. April Edwards and Zoe Stewart combined for 29 points, and the Bison held Maryland Eastern Shore to just 33 percent shooting in a decisive 66–45 victory Saturday afternoon at Burr Gymnasium. The win moves Howard (19–7, 8–1 MEAC) into sole possession of first place.
Bison Set the Tone Early
Stewart opened the scoring with a three-pointer, and after a brief UMES response, Howard’s defense clamped down. A three-point play by Zennia Thomas and a late-clock jumper from Stewart pushed the Bison ahead as UMES committed a string of unforced turnovers. Howard closed the first quarter on a surge and led 16–7 after one.
UMES Pushes Back, Stewart Responds
UMES (14–13, 7–2 MEAC) chipped away behind Lainey Allen and Brianna Barnes, eventually tying the game on a Desi Taylor fast break. Stewart broke a six-minute field-goal drought with a mid-range jumper, then added two more baskets to restore momentum. Howard carried a 27–21 lead into halftime.
The Hawks’ cold shooting from deep- 0-for-7 from three in the first half , fueled Howard’s transition game. The Bison controlled the glass 14–9 and consistently turned long rebounds into quick-strike opportunities.
Howard Breaks It Open
Sa’lah Hemmingway opened the second half with a bucket, followed by back-to-back layups from Ariella Henigan to push the lead back to double digits. Ashanti Lynch finally ended the UMES perimeter drought with a three, but the Hawks’ offense stalled again. Howard’s lead ballooned as UMES went the final six minutes of the third quarter without a field goal.
At the end of three, the Bison were firmly in control, 52–28.
Cruising to the Finish
UMES continued to struggle with point-blank misses in the fourth quarter, and Howard coasted to a wire-to-wire win, a statement performance that avenged the Bison’s 62–58 road loss to the Hawks on Jan. 10.
Stat Leaders
Howard:
April Edwards- 15 points (career high)
Zoe Stewart- 14 points
Zennia Thomas - 10 points
UMES:
Lainey Allen- 12 points (only Hawk in double figures)
What’s Next
Howard stays home next Saturday for a pivotal matchup with NC Central — a win could lock the Bison into a top tournament seed. UMES heads back on the road to face Coppin State, looking to rebound and stay in the title chase.
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