Women's Basketball | 3/17/2025 1:53:22 PM

NORFOLK, Va. – The Howard University and Coppin State University women's basketball teams will represent the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in the 2025 Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT), set to take place from March 20 to April 5.  

Howard (20-11) secured the MEAC’s automatic bid to the WNIT after an impressive season, finishing as the runner-up in the MEAC Women's Basketball Tournament after falling to Norfolk State 68-56 in the championship game. The Bison’s Destiny Howell and Zennia Thomas were named to the MEAC All-Tournament Team, while Saniyah King earned MEAC Rookie of the Year honors.  

Howard will host Siena on Friday, March 21, at 7 PM at Burr Gymnasium in Washington, D.C. Siena finished the season with a 17-13 record (14-6) and was eliminated in the MAAC Tournament Quarterfinals by Merrimack.  

Coppin State (18-14) earned an at-large bid to the WNIT following its most successful season under head coach Jermaine Woods. The Eagles advanced to the MEAC Tournament semifinals before falling to Norfolk State 72-33. Their strong performance throughout the season, highlighted by key victories over NJIT and Arizona State, earned them a spot in the WNIT. The Eagles are led by Laila Lawrence, who was named MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and earned MEAC All-Tournament Team honors. 

Coppin State will travel to Hamilton, N.Y., on Saturday, March 22, to face Colgate at 5 PM. Colgate finished the season with a 23-9 record (13-5) before falling to Bucknell in the quarterfinals of the Patriot League Tournament. 

For more information on the WNIT and updates on Howard and Coppin State’s run in the tournament, visit www.meacsports.com