NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — The top-seeded Howard Lady Bison and the third-seeded Norfolk State Spartans will meet for the third time this season with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women’s basketball championship and an NCAA Tournament berth on the line Saturday.

Howard (25-7), the regular-season champion, swept the season series, winning 68-59 at home on Jan. 31 and 74-59 in Norfolk on March 5. The Lady Bison enter the final on a six-game winning streak after dispatching Coppin State 65-50 in Friday’s semifinal. Ariella Henigan led the way with 22 points and has been a consistent force, averaging 14.3 points over her last six games.

Norfolk State (18-13) advanced with a 60-51 victory over Maryland-Eastern Shore on Friday, led by 19 points from guard Jasha Clinton. The Spartans have won five of their last six games, with the lone loss in that stretch coming against Howard. Clinton has been instrumental, averaging 13.5 points and 4.8 assists during that span.

The matchup pits Howard’s efficient offense, which averaged 76 points in its two wins over Norfolk State, against a Spartan defense that has held opponents to 50.2 points per game during its recent surge. Containing Henigan and Howard’s interior presence, including Zennia Thomas who had 14 points and nine rebounds in the semifinal, will be a priority for Norfolk State.

For the Spartans, generating offense beyond Clinton is critical. Da’Brya Clark and Cire Worley, who combined for 22 points in the semifinal, will need to provide scoring support to challenge the tournament favorites.

Tip-off is set for Saturday at Norfolk’s Scope Arena. Howard seeks its second consecutive MEAC tournament title, while Norfolk State aims for its first since 2021. The winner earns the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament.