PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The Howard University women's basketball team stepped up to the challenge to secure a 72-71 win over Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) foe Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday afternoon in the Hytche Athletic Center.

With the victory, the Bison claimed their fourth straight win and improved to 6-8 (2-0 MEAC) on the season. The Hawks dropped to 7-7 (1-2 MEAC).

Howard had five players in double figures, led by redshirt senior Te'Shya Heslip with 16 points. She also paced the team in assists (8), rebounds (6) and steals (5). Senior Sydni Johnson chipped in 15 points and four boards.

Freshman Sarah Edmond sank a career-high four three pointers and was 5-of-7 from the floor on her way to a career-best 14 points and five rebounds. Senior Jasmine Hill put up 11 points, followed by redshirt junior Erin Blaine with 10 points.

Although Howard shot 42.2 percent (27-64) from the field, the Bison managed to tally 18 assists on their 27 baskets. HU also outscored the Hawks in the paint, 22-18, and came up with 14 second chance points.

Both teams struggled to get going on offense as the game remained scoreless through the first two minutes until Hill sank a free throw. From there, the Bison went on an 11-2 run over the next three minutes. UMES responded to pull within two, 15-13, as the first period came to a close.

With 7:59 on the clock, the Hawks tied the game at 17 but the Bison were able to get some distance on a 20-17 lead after the and-one play by Blaine. It didn't take long for the score to be tied again, this time at 26 on a pair of UMES free throws. The Hawks took their first lead of the game on a last second three-point field goal to beat the buzzer and head into the locker room up 33-31 at the half.

The Bison and Hawks traded baskets from beyond the arc in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Da'Shae Shumate hit a jumper to give HU a slight 49-48 edge at the 3:58 mark. The home squad gained momentum to get ahead again but back-to-back daggers from long range by Edmond tied the period at 58. UMES was able to convert at the charity stripe as it ended the quarter with a 60-58 upper hand.

Edmond continued to cash in from downtown and makes from Blaine and Heslip afforded the Bison a 70-67 lead with 5:46 remaining. Unfortunately, both teams were ice cold on the offensive end after that, which forced Howard to call a timeout with 2:02 to go. With 40 seconds left in the fourth, a fast break brought the Hawks back within one, 72-71, but the Bison got it done on defense to keep them away from the basket and seal the win.

Mariah McCoy tallied 13 points for UMES, with Ra'Jean Martin and Keyera Eaton close behind with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Bison have a quick turnaround as they prepare to host Coppin State on Monday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. in Burr Gymnasium.