Women's Basketball | 3/14/2026 8:14:41 PM

NORFOLK, VA – Howard used a balanced scoring attack and a big advantage in second-chance points to defeat Norfolk State 53-46 Saturday to capture the 2026 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship at The Scope. 

The Bison, who last won the MEAC title and an NCAA automatic berth to “March Madness, in 2022, were led by MEAC Player of the Year and tournament MVP Zennia Thomas with 15 points and eight rebounds. Nile Miller chipped in 12 points and a game-high 13 boards, while Ariella Henigan, the league’s Rookie of the Year, added 11 point points 

Norfolk State, which was trying for its fourth straight tournament crown and NCAA postseason appearance, ended its campaign at 18-13. The Spartans represented the MEAC in March Madness in 2023, 2024 and 2025, a fact that was not overlooked by Howard head coach Ty Grace. 

“I have to take my hat off to Norfolk State and its program. They have set a standard in the league that has forced all of us to step things up. We expected this game to be a tough and physical one, but we prepared for it all season. 

“I thought Zennia (Thomas), Nile Miller, Ariella (Henigan) and Sa’leh Hemingway played extremely well.” 

Miller, the only senior attending the postgame press conference, expressed her delight in finally winning an MEAC tournament title. 

“I have been here (MEAC tournament) for four years and we tried each time to win. This year, everything came together. The players and coaches were all committed to finally getting it done.” 

Jasha Hinton had 11 points, and five rebounds and assists each, to lead Norfolk State. Anjanae Richardson followed with 10 points. 

Following a closely-contested first half, the two teams entered the locker room deadlocked at 27-all. Thomas had eight of her total, as well as five rebounds in the period. Henigan and Miller added seven and six points, respectively, for the Bison 

Richardson, with eight points and Cire Worley and LeAire Nicks, with six each, paced Norfolk State, who trailed 16-9 after one period, but outscored Howard 18-11 to forge the 27-all halftime score. 

The Bison got back to back baskets from Zoe Stewart to begin the second half and took a 31-27 with 7:17 on the third period clock. After a Ciara Bailey shot closed the gap to 31-29 at the 7:02 mark, Howard went on a 9-2 run to build a 42-33 edge after three quarters. 

The Spartans begin the final period with a 10-5 spree, including five points by Clinton, to come to within 47-43 with 4:54 to play, but Miller got inside for a basket for Howard, and a 49-43 advantage with 4:12 left. 

Norfolk State could get no closer and the Bison held on by scoring four of the game’s final seven points for the final margin, 53-46. 

 The win gave Howard a sweep of the MEAC tournament titles this season as the Howard men defeated North Carolina Central 70-63 in the men’s championship. 

Howard improved to 26-7 on the year and will learn its opponent and site on Sunday during the NCAA Selection Show on ESPN. 

2026 Women’s Basketball All-Tournament team   

Tournament Outstanding Player - Zennia Thomas, Howard 
Tournament Outstanding Coach - Ty Grace, Howard 

Zennia Thomas, Howard 
Ariella Henigan, Howard 
Jasha Clinton, Norfolk State 
Anjanae Richardson, Norfolk State 
Kaliya Perry, UMES