ELON, N.C. (Interstat) — The Howard Lady Bison remained undefeated Saturday, using a stifling defensive performance to grind out a 56-46 victory over the Elon Phoenix in a non-conference women’s basketball game at Schar Center.

In a contest defined by offensive struggles, Howard improved to 4-0 by consistently creating and capitalizing on Elon’s mistakes. The Lady Bison scored 18 points off 18 Elon turnovers and recorded 10 steals, gradually pulling away after a tightly contested first quarter.

The game was tied 15-15 after the opening period, but Howard’s defense clamped down in the second, holding Elon to just nine points to take a 26-24 lead into halftime. The Lady Bison then opened the third quarter on a 15-8 run to create a cushion they would not relinquish, entering the final period with a 41-32 advantage. Elon (2-2) never threatened down the stretch as both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm.

Howard’s offense was inefficient, scoring 56 points on 70 possessions for an offensive rating of 80.5, but it was enough against an Elon squad that managed just 46 points on 77 possessions, an offensive rating of 59.9. The Phoenix shot just 28.4% from the floor, including 5 of 28 from three-point range.

Zennia Thomas led the way for Howard with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to go along with four assists. Ariella Henigan provided a game-high 14 points off the bench for the Lady Bison. Nile Miller added eight points and six rebounds in 34 minutes of action.

Elon was led by LaNae’ Corbett, who scored 13 points. Quinzia Fulmore anchored the Phoenix on the glass with nine rebounds.

The difference came down to shot-making and ball security. Howard, while shooting just 40% from the field itself, was more effective inside, scoring 28 points in the paint. The Lady Bison also attempted 16 free throws to Elon’s six, making nine.

The victory extends Howard’s strong start to the season, which includes wins over Providence and George Washington. The Lady Bison next travel to face VCU on Monday. Elon, which was coming off a 93-48 rout of Presbyterian, looks to rebound on Nov. 24 at Georgetown.

Attendance was 959.