PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — Defying a significant pregame projection, the Howard Lady Bison opened their season with a commanding 68-56 victory over the Providence Friars in a non-conference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at Dunkin’ Center.

Entering the contest as a substantial underdog according to Interstat’s ELO system, which gave the Friars an 80.10 percent probability to win, Howard methodically dismantled Providence’s offense and controlled the game from the second quarter onward. The Lady Bison’s defense was the story of the night, forcing 19 turnovers and holding the Friars to a frigid shooting performance, particularly from beyond the arc.

The game began competitively, with Howard holding a narrow 14-13 lead after the first quarter. The Lady Bison began to create separation in the second period, outscoring the Friars 17-13 to take a 31-26 advantage into halftime. Howard’s offensive momentum continued to build after the break. They erupted for 19 points in the third quarter while their defense maintained its relentless pressure, limiting Providence to another 13-point frame. This surge extended the Lady Bison’s lead to 50-39 heading into the final period.

Providence mounted a response in the fourth quarter, posting their highest scoring output of the night with 17 points, but Howard’s offense remained efficient and consistent, answering with 18 points of their own to seal the 12-point victory. The Lady Bison’s scoring by quarter—14, 17, 19, 18—demonstrated a steady and increasing offensive rhythm that the Friars could not match. Providence’s scoring was marked by a puzzling consistency in the first three quarters, putting up 13 points in each before their final push.

A stark disparity in three-point shooting proved to be a critical factor in the outcome. Howard connected on 6 of 15 attempts from long range, a 40 percent success rate that stretched the Friars’ defense. Providence, in contrast, suffered through a disastrous night from deep, making only 2 of their 19 three-point attempts, a rate of just 10.5 percent. This 12-point deficit from the three-point line alone nearly accounted for the final margin of victory.

Howard also won the battle on the glass, particularly on the offensive end where they corralled 13 rebounds to Providence’s seven. This effort provided the Lady Bison with valuable second-chance opportunities throughout the contest. Both teams recorded eight assists and eight steals, but Howard’s defensive presence was more formidable at the rim, registering six blocked shots compared to three for the Friars.

Howard’s offensive efficiency, while not dominant, was markedly superior. The Lady Bison scored 68 points on 73 possessions for an offensive rating of 93.6. Providence’s offensive struggles were quantified by an offensive rating of just 75.1, managing only 56 points from 75 possessions.

Zennia Thomas led the way for the victorious Lady Bison, delivering a standout all-around performance. In 32 minutes of action, Thomas scored 15 points, pulled down seven rebounds and swatted away three shots, anchoring Howard’s defense. She received ample support from her teammates. April Edwards provided a spark off the bench with 11 points and three assists in just 16 minutes. Zoe Stewart added eight points and three rebounds in 25 minutes, while Destiny BynumJohnson contributed six points, four rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes. Sa’lah Hemingway also chipped in six points and four rebounds in her 16 minutes on the court.

For Providence, Sabou Gueye was the primary offensive threat, scoring a game-high 16 points in 26 minutes. Payton Dunbar facilitated the offense, dishing out four assists to go with her 12 points. Teneisia Brown was a force on the boards, grabbing six rebounds and scoring eight points. Princess Moody also hauled in seven rebounds for the Friars.

The victory gives Howard a 1-0 start to the season as they look ahead to a busy schedule. Their next contest is at home against Florida A&M on Saturday. The Lady Bison will then embark on a four-game road trip, facing George Washington, Elon, VCU and Monmouth through Nov. 20.

Providence begins its season 0-1 and will seek its first win when it returns to the Dunkin’ Center to host Central Connecticut on Monday. The Friars’ upcoming slate includes home games against Boston College, Northeastern and Yale before a neutral-site contest against Middle Tennessee in Niceville, Florida, on Nov. 24.