WASHINGTON (Interstat) — Zennia Thomas scored 22 points and Ariella Henigan added 19 as Howard pulled away from Saint Bonaventure for a 76-64 women’s basketball victory Saturday at Burr Gymnasium. The Lady Bison used a 23-point second quarter to build a 38-32 halftime lead and never trailed again. The Bonnies closed within four points in the third quarter but could not overcome Howard’s efficiency at the free-throw line, where the Lady Bison made 23 of 25 attempts. Aaliyah Parker led Saint Bonaventure with 17 points. Howard improved to 10-5, while the Bonnies fell to 9-4.

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Howard Lady Bison used a dominant second quarter and a near-perfect performance from the free-throw line to pull away from the Saint Bonaventure Bonnies for a 76-64 victory in a nonconference women’s basketball game Saturday at Burr Gymnasium. The game was a tale of contrasting efficiencies, with Howard capitalizing on its opportunities at the charity stripe while Saint Bonaventure struggled to convert its own. The Lady Bison shot 23 of 25 from the free-throw line, a blistering 92 percent. The Bonnies, conversely, made just 6 of 13 attempts, leaving crucial points unclaimed in a tightly contested matchup for long stretches. Howard improved to 10-5 overall, while Saint Bonaventure fell to 9-4. The contest was closely fought through the opening period, ending in a 15-15 deadlock. The turning point arrived in the second quarter, where Howard outscored Saint Bonaventure 23-17 to establish a 38-32 halftime lead. The Lady Bison maintained control throughout the third, extending their advantage, and sealed the win with a 17-9 edge in the final frame. Howard’s victory was anchored by the standout performances of guard Ariella Henigan and forward Zennia Thomas. Henigan, a Chicago native, led all scorers with 19 points, adding four assists and a block in 26 minutes. She was instrumental in the second-half push and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Thomas, from Cleveland, provided a formidable inside presence, scoring 22 points and grabbing multiple offensive rebounds in 33 minutes of action. Saint Bonaventure was led by Aaliyah Parker of Cheektowaga, New York, who scored 17 points and dished out three assists. Laycee Drake contributed eight points and four assists, while Brianna Barr-Buday provided a spark off the bench with eight points in just 11 minutes. Despite the loss, the Bonnies were competitive in several statistical categories. They outshot Howard from the field, making 27 of 63 attempts compared to Howard’s 24 of 54. Saint Bonaventure also held advantages in assists (12-7), steals (12-7), points in the paint (36-28), and points off turnovers (17-14). However, the staggering disparity in free-throw accuracy proved insurmountable. The most critical sequence of the game occurred early in the fourth quarter with Howard leading 62-59. After a Saint Bonaventure turnover, Howard’ Destiny Bynum-Johnson sank a three-pointer to extend the lead to six. On the ensuing Bonnies possession, a technical foul was called on the Saint Bonaventure bench. Henigan calmly sank both technical free throws, and after Howard retained possession, she was fouled and hit two more, capping a personal 4-0 run in seconds. That swift, seven-point swing, pushing the lead to 68-59 with 7:09 remaining, effectively stifled Saint Bonaventure’s final rally attempt. Howard’s offensive rating of 112.0 on 68 possessions underscored its efficient scoring afternoon, while Saint Bonaventure’s 92.5 rating on 69 trips reflected its struggles to finish possessions, particularly at the line. The Lady Bison will next travel to face Army on Monday, Dec. 29. The Bonnies return home to host George Washington on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Preview: Saint Bonaventure Bonnies at Howard Lady Bison WASHINGTON (Interstat) — Two teams riding winning streaks will meet Saturday when the Saint Bonaventure women’s basketball team visits Howard at Burr Gymnasium. The Bonnies (9-3) have won two straight, most recently a 60-57 road victory at Mercyhurst on Dec. 12. Howard (9-5) is also coming off a notable road win, having edged Cincinnati 66-64 on Dec. 16. Saint Bonaventure has been led by the consistent play of guard Laycee Drake. Over her last seven games, Drake is averaging 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists, including a 21-point, 7-rebound performance in a win at Le Moyne on Dec. 6. She scored 19 points in the Bonnies’ most recent outing. Howard counters with guard Nile Miller, who is coming off a 14-point effort in the upset at Cincinnati. Miller has averaged 8.1 points over her last eight contests and provides a key backcourt presence for the Lady Bison. The game represents a final non-conference test for both programs before league play intensifies. Saint Bonaventure will open its Atlantic 10 schedule on Dec. 31 against George Washington. Howard begins Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play on Jan. 3 at South Carolina State. Saint Bonaventure’s record includes a 3-3 mark in true road games. Howard is 5-4 at home this season. The Bonnies have shown offensive balance, scoring 70 or more points in four games this season, while Howard’s defense has held opponents under 65 points in eight of its nine victories. Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon in the nation’s capital.