The MEAC women’s basketball championship matchup everyone has been anticipating since October is officially ready to roll.
No. 1 seed Norfolk State took care of business against fourth-seeded Coppin State while Howard fought off a tough Maryland-Eastern Shore team in Friday afternoon’s semifinal games. The MEAC’s top teams will meet on Saturday at 4 p.m. on ESPN News.
The second-seeded Bison (21-10) trailed No. 3 UMES 12-7 after two Brianna Barnes free throws, but junior forward Zennia Thomas, a transfer from the University of Kentucky, went to work. Thomas scored eight of the Bison’s next 10 points for a 17-12 lead after one and didn’t stop there.
Thomas finished with a game-high 27 points and 11 rebounds. Senior guard Destiny Howell also recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds as Howard led by as many as 16 points (56-40) in the fourth quarter.
Maryland Eastern Shore (14-18) was led by senior guard Zamara Haynes’ 16 points. Joining her in double figures were Barnes with 11 points and Mahogany Lester and Ashanti Lynch adding 10 points each.
🏀 | @Howard_WBB is headed to their 5th consecutive @MEACSports tournament championship! Two Bison posted double-doubles with Thomas leading the way recording a career-high 27 pts 11rbs.
Tune in to ESPNews tomorrow, March 15th as the Bison face off against Norfolk at 4 PM! pic.twitter.com/ivXktFeFyd
— Howard Athletics (@HUBisonSports) March 14, 2025
The Spartans (29-4) trailed for just the first 1:05 of the game. Cire Worley’s three-pointer for Coppin was answered by a 14-0 Norfolk State run that gave them the lead for good.
NSU outscored the Eagles 43 to 20 in the second half, led by senior center Kierra Wheeler’s 22 points and nine rebounds. Diamond Johnson added 17 points and Da’Brya Clark pitched in 14 for Norfolk State.
Coppin State (18-14) was led by Laila Lawrence, who collected her third MEAC tourney double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
