Courtesy of Ed Hill, Jr., retired Howard University Sports Information Director
It will be less than 48 hours since its last outing when the Howard University women's team returns to the court, but that is college basketball this time of the year. The Bison (3-6) takes on DePaul University in Wintrust Arena at 12 Noon on Monday. The game will be carried on FloHoops.
Howard was looking to establish its identity against Towson, coming into the game with a two-game win streak for the first time this season. After going toe-to-toe with the visitors on Saturday afternoon, Howard ultimately ran out of gas and Towson finished the game with a 10-2 run over the last five minutes.
Senior point guard Iyanna Warren, the team's second leading scorer (11.6 ppg), led the Bison with 18 and graduate backcourt mate Aziah Hudson chipped in 11, but miscues that turned into turnovers and second-chance opportunities proved to be too much to overcome. in a 68-58 home loss.
"The rebounding and turnovers certainly impacted the game; we didn't do a good job finishing plays on the defensive end," lamented Howard University Head Coach Ty Grace following the loss. "Their second chance opportunities definitely gave them an edge. We have to try to keep our turnovers under 13. Twenty was just too significant."
In the scoring area, the Bison will need to get more production from leading scorer, Destiny Howell. The 5-11 junior sharpshooter and team-leading scorer (14.0 ppg) came into the Towson game averaging almost 24 points in her last two outings. But against Towson, the all-MEAC first team selection managed only eight points. That and the fact that Howard got only six points from its usually productive bench, are areas of concern for Coach Grace.
"We always expect to have good contribution (from the bench); unfortunately, we didn't get that, even in limited minutes," Grace said.
In DePaul, the Bison face a formidable opponent. The Blue Demons (7-3) have won three in a row, the latest an 81-63 over Big Ten crosstown rival Northwestern on Saturday.
The Bison will have to find a way to slow down Aneesah Morrison, who is coming a 45-point, 13-rebound performance against Northwestern on the road. The 6-1 sophomore from Chicago averages almost 30 points and 12.6 rebounds for the Demons who have won six of their last seven.
Other players of note for DePaul include junior guard Darrione Rogers (19.2 ppg, 5.5 apg).
DePaul is forcing almost 20 turnovers and 10 steals per game.
"It's a challenge to have only one day to prep for such a talented team like DePaul," offers Coach Grace. "However, that's what basketball is, competition. We're here to compete, no matter the opponent or circumstance. Our goal is to continue to get better each game."
On a side note, Howard senior forward Brooklynn Fort-Davis, will be returning home where she prepped at Whitney Young Prep School.
"I am excited that I am able to play in front of all of my friend and family who have watched me though out this journey," said Fort-Davis. "It's a bittersweet feeling. It brings everything full circle for me playing at home possibly one more time. I'm grateful and blessed to be here and I hope they're all happy to see me and proud of me."
NEXT UP: Howard returns home to host North Texas on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 pm at Burr Gymnasium.
