FAIRFAX, Va. (December 21, 2019) — Howard University women’s basketball grabbed a big road win at George Mason, 86-75, inside EagleBank Arena. With the victory, HU extended its winning streak to a season-high four games.
Guards Ayonna Williams (Washington) and Jayla Thornton (Newark, N.J.) led the Bison attack, scoring over 20 points apiece. Williams produced a season-best 28 points, including 21 points after intermission, while the New Jersey was nearly perfect from the floor, tallying 23 points on 9-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-6 from long range.
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HU took a 25-19 lead after one and ballooned its advantage to double digits, thanks to a long ball from Thornton at the 4:47 mark in the second, 32-22. Mason struggled in the second period, shooting less than 12-percent (2-of-17), while the Bison shot a respectable 47-percent (7-of-15).
After taking a 15-point advantage at the break, 42-27, HU saw George Mason chipped away in the third and sliced the margin down to single digits entering the fourth, 63-54.
Mason continued to battle back and cut the deficit to a one-possession game with less than four remaining, 72-69, but Williams took control and scored 17 of her 28 points in the fourth to extend HU’s winning streak, 86-75.
Overall, the Bison shot over 51-percent (31-of-60) from the field.
Senior forward Imani Bryant (Berkeley, Calif.) filled the stat sheet, registering a season-high 12 points, seven boards, three steals and three blocks, while fellow classmate Sarah Edmond (Freeport, N.Y.) added 11 points and five dimes in the win.
For George Mason (5-6), Nicole Cardano-Hilary and Camarie Gatling had 18 points each in the loss.
Howard (8-4) concludes its nonconference schedule at SEC foe Tennessee. The action is set for Sunday (Dec. 30) at 2 p.m.