An HBCU team picked to win its conference championship showed a Big East school why it’s such a heavy favorite.
Howard University went into Providence College’s Alumni Hall and defeated the Friars 68-56 in the season-opening contest for both teams.
Senior forward Zennia Thomas led the charge with team highs of 15 points, seven rebounds, and three blocked shots. Redshirt sophomore guard April Edwards came off the bench to add 11 points while freshman guard Ariella Hennigan contributed nine points and three assists. Missouri State transfer Zoe Stewart pitched in with eight points.
Howard trailed 8-2 in the first quarter but responded to take a 14-13 lead by the end of the period. The Friars took their final lead (22-21) of the game on a Payton Dunbar jumper in the second quarter, but a Jada Kendrick basket gave Howard the lead for good.
The Bison, picked to win the MEAC by conference observers, put the game away with a 10-0 run over three minutes between the third and fourth quarters.
Howard comes back home Saturday afternoon to host Florida A&M in their Burr Gymnasium debut.