After a rigorous defensive and fast paced battle between the Bison of Howard University, the Lady Aggies fell short with a two point defeat. 44-42 Howard. “You lose by two points you think about this blown layup here, this blown layup there,” said head coach Tarrell Robinson.

The Lady Aggies were not able to execute on offense very well in the first half because of Howard’s zoned defense. In the beginning the Lady Aggies took a few outside shots which did not fall. “We tried to rely on a lot of stuff outside the perimeter and the way Howard runs their 3-2 matchup zone it takes your perimeter players out of it,” said Robinson. However, the Lady Aggies were able to hold the Bison defensively so they would not gain a great lead that the Aggies would not be able to come back from. 

Another aspect that hindered the Lady Aggies ability to prevail in this game during the first half was having an inside presence. “We’re relying on Eboni Ross to give us inside presence and she sat out the first half,” said Robinson. The first half ended with the Bison having an eight point lead of the Aggies. 24-16 Howard.

At the beginning of the second half the Lady Aggies seemed to make adjustments and came out with more intensity, momentum, and started to gain confidence. A steal by freshman center Eboni Ross led to junior guard Tracy King making a layup. Following that, a jumper was made by senior guard Jaquayla Berry and King made three free throw shots which fielded a 7-0 run closing Howard’s lead. 26-23 Howard. The lead continued to close as King made a three point shot from the perimeter and. Sophomore guard Ariel Bursey made a layup and had the and 1 to count, tying the game 29-29. After this first tie the game tied three more times. 

Injuries are yet another element that hurt the Aggies in this crushing defeat against Howard. Sophomore guard Adriana Nazario suffered from a concussion in the game against FAMU and should be back playing Jan. 26 against Morgan State University. Senior center Nikia Gorham is also on the injury list because of a severe sprain in the knee.  She is expected to be out for another two weeks which will hurt as her presence is needed. “In her being missing, we’ve lost two of our last three games. She’s someone that we rely on.”

The Lady Aggies will face the Morgan State Bears next Jan. 26 in the Corbett Sports Center.

• uniqua quillins Contributor