Senior forwards Zennia Thomas and Nile Miller each scored 15 points, and redshirt junior guard Zoe Stewart added 12 to power the Howard University women’s basketball team to a 66-58 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory over North Carolina Central University at Burr Gymnasium.
The win pushed the Bison’s streak to eight straight and improved Howard to 20-7 overall and 10-1 in MEAC play.
Howard came out sharp, building an 18-8 first-quarter lead. NCCU responded in the second, but the Bison maintained control and took a 30-20 advantage into halftime.
Behind steady contributions from Thomas, Miller and Stewart, Howard kept the Eagles at bay throughout the third quarter, stretching the lead to 50-38 heading into the final period.
NCCU applied full court pressure in the fourth, trimming the deficit to 61-58 with 1:40 remaining. Out of a timeout, the Bison responded with poise. Thomas knocked down a 15-foot jumper to extend the lead, then came up with a key defensive block. On the ensuing possession, Stewart delivered the dagger a three pointer with 48 seconds left to seal it. The Eagles were held scoreless the rest of the way.
Howard remains undefeated at home (10-0) and has now recorded its third 20-win season since 2021-22.
Miller posted a standout all-around performance with 15 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and a steal for a double-double. Thomas added 15 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double of her own. Stewart shot 4-of-8 from the field, including a perfect 2-of-2 from three-point range.
Freshman guard Ariella Henigan chipped in eight points, four steals and three rebounds.
Howard dominated the glass, 52-33, and held advantages in second-chance points (16-9), fast-break points (15-8) and free-throw attempts.
Natalie Jasper led NCCU with 18 points, while Tierney Coleman added 14 and Aniya Finger contributed 12 off the bench.
