Mary Anna Asare Calls Game as VCU Takes Down Howard in a Thriller

Richmond, VA The VCU Women’s Basketball team defeated the Howard Bison 69 to 66 on Monday evening to pick up their second straight win. Howard came into the matchup undefeated. The Rams were led by Mary Anna Asare, who finished with 25 points, including the game-winning layup. Zennia Thomas led the Bison with 25 points.

Bison Grab the Lead Early but Never Get It Back

A three pointer from Zoe Stewart with 7 minutes and 56 seconds left in the first quarter put Howard up 5 to 4. Zennia Thomas followed with two free throws to extend the lead to 10 to 8. That would be Howard’s biggest lead of the night and the last time the Bison were in front. Ann Zachariah knocked down a jumper to tie the game and that sparked the shift in momentum. VCU closed the quarter strong with two free throws from Mary Anna Asare and a buzzer beating three pointer that pushed the Rams ahead 22 to 15.

Rams Go On a Huge Run

The Rams kept rolling in the second quarter. A three pointer from Katarina Knezevic gave VCU its biggest lead of the game and capped a 13 to 0 run as the Rams went up 30 to 15 with 8 minutes and 7 seconds remaining. Howard responded as a three from Zoe Stewart cut the lead to 7, making it 30 to 23 with just over three minutes left in the half. Mary Anna Asare knocked down a jumper at the buzzer and VCU took a 34 to 25 lead into halftime.

Bison Narrow the Gap

Howard chipped away at the lead in the third quarter. Two free throws from Ariella Henigan cut the Rams lead to 49 to 47 with 1 minute and 36 seconds to go in the period. VCU held a 53 to 49 lead heading into the fourth. The Bison continued to push in the final quarter. A free throw by Nile Miller tied the game at 66 with 17 seconds left.

Mary Anna Asare Delivers in the Clutch

With the game on the line, Mary Anna Asare attacked the basket and finished a layup through contact with 4 seconds remaining to put the Rams up 68 to 66. She calmly knocked down the free throw to extend the lead to 69 to 66. Howard had one last chance, but Zennia Thomas missed a jumper at the buzzer and the Rams held on for the 69 to 66 win.

What’s Next

VCU (3-1) will hit the road and face Colorado in the North Shore Showcase in Hawaii on November 22. Tipoff is set for 7:30 pm.