Women's Basketball | 3/14/2025 4:01:39 PM
NORFOLK, VA – Junior Zennia Thomas delivered a career-high 27 points and 11 rebounds to lead No. 2 seed Howard past No. 3 seed Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in a 67-59 victory Friday at the Norfolk Scope Arena.
Graduate student Destiny Howell also posted a double-double, contributing 18 points, a career-high 11 rebounds, and five assists, tying her personal best.
With the win, Head Coach Ty Grace’s squad improves to 21-10 on the season and secures a place in the MEAC Championship game against top-seeded Norfolk State. This marks Howard’s fifth consecutive appearance in the title game and the fourth straight meeting between the Bison and Spartans with a berth in the NCAA Tournament on the line.
Norfolk State earned its championship spot with a dominant 72-33 win over No.4 seed Coppin State.
Howard established early control, leading 17-12 after the first quarter and extending its advantage to 34-26 at halftime. The Bison dominated the third quarter, outscoring UMES 22-12 to take a commanding 56-38 lead. Although UMES responded with a 21-11 fourth-quarter run, they were unable to overcome the deficit.
“The third quarter was key,” said Coach Grace. “At halftime, we told them we weren’t playing with purpose and weren’t being effective on defense. Zennia and Destiny gave us the spark we needed.”
UMES made a late push, cutting the deficit to 10 points three times in the final minute, with the last coming at 64-54 after a Zamara Haynes three-pointer. Despite two missed free throws by MEAC Rookie of the Year Saniyah King, who was held scoreless with eight turnovers, UMES’ Brianna Barnes added a final basket to bring the game to its 67-59 conclusion.
Regarding King’s struggles, Grace remained confident in the freshman’s resilience. “She had a tough game, but I expect her to step up and play big tomorrow against Norfolk State.”
As for facing Norfolk State for the fourth straight time in the MEAC final, Grace compared the rivalry to a sibling dynamic.
“It’s like playing your sister—you know them so well, and they can annoy you,” she said with a smile. “But I have great respect for Coach Vickers and what he’s done with his team. It’s going to be a tough game.”
UMES, which fought valiantly against the Bison, was led by Zamara Haynes with 16 points. Brianna Barnes added 11 points off the bench, while Mahogany Lester and Ashanti Lynch each contributed 10. The Hawks conclude their season with a 17-14 record.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, UMES Head Coach Malikah Willis commended her players’ resilience.
“We made a strong push at the end,” Willis said. “One thing people should know about UMES basketball, we are not an easy win.”
She added, “We started slowly and picked up our play too late. We lost to a very good team, but I’m incredibly proud of my players for never quitting.”
Howard will face Norfolk State in the MEAC Championship on Saturday at 4 p.m., with a spot in the NCAA Tournament at stake. The game will broadcast live on ESPNews.
For more information visit MEACHoops.com.