Howard University's women's basketball team faces Ohio State in the NCAA Round of 64 on March 21 at the Schottenstein Center. The Bison, entering the tournament as a No. 14 seed after winning the MEAC Championship, aim to continue their impressive performance. Star player Zennia Thomas, who averaged 15.2 points and 8.0 rebounds, leads the team. Ohio State, sporting a 26-7 record, is coming off a loss in the Big Ten Semifinals.

By the Numbers
  • Howard has achieved 26 wins, the most in program history.
  • Zennia Thomas is tied for 10th nationally in free throw attempts this season.
Yes, But

Although Howard boasts strong defensive stats, Ohio State's ranking in assists-to-turnover ratio indicates a more dynamic offensive strategy. Additionally, the Buckeyes have higher scoring averages, which could challenge Howard's defense.

State of Play
  • Howard is entering the tournament with a 14-game win streak, the second-longest in Division I.
  • Ohio State seeks to rebound from a recent semifinal loss, aiming to leverage their strong scoring options.
What's Next

The winner of this matchup will face either No. 6 seed Notre Dame or No. 11 seed Fairfield in the Round of 32 on March 23, presenting a critical opportunity for advancement.

Bottom Line

Howard's success hinges on maintaining their defensive prowess and capitalizing on Thomas's contributions, while Ohio State will need to leverage their offensive strength to secure a victory. The matchup will test both teams' resilience and strategy.