Hampton got a team-high 14 points from Rachel Butler and 27 points from its bench to pull away from Howard in a 73-61 win in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women’s game at Burr Gymnasium.

It was the conference opener for both teams. The Lady Pirates (6-6 overall, 1-0 in the MEAC) even their record on the season while the Lady Bison (0-12 overall, 0-1 in the MEAC) are still looking for their first win.

The game was nip and tuck in the early going with both teams exchanging the lead. Hampton began to get some breathing room following a 17-7 run midway through the first half that gave the visitors a 29-19 lead at the 5:11 mark.

Howard closed the deficit to 33-27 with an 8-4 run but Hampton still led 38-31 at the half.

Using the scoring of Asha Santee and Tamaya Daniels who combined for 20 second half points, the Howard got to within four at 51-47 and twice kept it close until a 19-8 spurt by the Lady Pirates sealed the deal.

“It’s been a tough road this season,” lamented Howard Coach Cathy Parson. “We work really hard but can’t get the shots to go down. We’ve got to learn how to execute and not turn the ball over in critical situations.”

Howard was hurt by missing 22 of the 26 shots it took from the three-point line. The Lady Pirates were able to offset their cold shooting (31 percent) with strong play from its bench and inside play where they held a 24-18 advantage on the offensive glass and scored 50 points in the paint.

“I am very pleased at the team’s play in the paint and the performance of freshman Quanneisha Perry,” said Hampton coach Walter Mebane. Perry scored 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds and Artavia Burns contributed 13 points to go along with Butler’s team high.

Santee led all scorers with 21 and 6 rebounds while Daniels tallied 14 and 7 rebounds.

NEXT UP: The Lady Bison will look to end their current slide when they host Florida A&M University on Saturday, January 12 at 2 p.m. Hampton host Bethune-Cookman University on January 12 at 2 p.m.

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