Howard Lady Bison Claim MEAC Basketball Title

Howard's women's basketball team wins conference championship, completes sweep for university

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:23am

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The Howard Lady Bison defeated Norfolk State 53-46 to win the 2026 MEAC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. Senior forward Zennia Thomas led Howard with 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Nile Miller recorded a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds. The victory completes a MEAC championship sweep for the Howard basketball programs, as the men's team also won their title game.

Why it matters

Howard University's basketball programs have established themselves as dominant forces in the MEAC conference, with both the men's and women's teams winning their respective tournament championships. This sweep demonstrates the strength and consistency of Howard's athletic department and is a point of pride for the university and its community.

The details

The Lady Bison overcame a 26-18 deficit in points in the paint, but made up for it by scoring 24 second-chance points off 22 offensive rebounds. Howard struggled shooting the ball, making just 27.9% of their field goals, but excelled at the free throw line, converting 13 of 15 attempts (86.7%). In contrast, Norfolk State only went to the line 7 times, making 4 of those attempts.

  • The 2026 MEAC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game was played on March 15, 2026.

The players

Zennia Thomas

A senior forward for the Howard Lady Bison who scored a game-high 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the championship victory.

Nile Miller

A senior for the Howard Lady Bison who recorded a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds in the championship game.

Ty Grace

The head coach of the Howard Lady Bison basketball team.

Jasha Clinton

A player for the Norfolk State Spartans who led her team with 11 points and 5 rebounds in the championship game loss.

Anjanae Richardson

A player for the Norfolk State Spartans who scored 10 points in the championship game loss.

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What they’re saying

“I have to take my hat off to Norfolk State and its program. They have set a standard in the league that has forced all of us to step things up. We expected this game to be a tough and physical one, but we prepared for it all season.”

— Ty Grace, Howard Lady Bison Head Coach

“I have been here (MEAC tournament) for four years and we tried each time to win. This year, everything came together. The players and coaches were all committed to finally getting it done.”

— Nile Miller, Howard Lady Bison Senior

What’s next

Both the Howard Lady Bison and Norfolk State Spartans will await their NCAA tournament opponents, to be revealed on Sunday afternoon.

The takeaway

Howard University's basketball programs have solidified their dominance in the MEAC conference, with both the men's and women's teams winning their respective tournament championships. This sweep demonstrates the strength and consistency of Howard's athletic department and is a point of pride for the university and its community.