WASHINGTON, D.C. – Coppin State's late rally came up short 68-66 to Howard University in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) women's basketball heartbreaker at Burr Gym Saturday afternoon.
This one hurt as the game ended in bitter fashion for Coppin State (2-11 overall, 1-1 MEAC).
In the final 10 seconds, the Eagles had a potential go-ahead basket nullified because of a traveling violation and they missed a pair of foul shots with .7 seconds remaining that would have forced overtime.
Junior guard
Jordan Swails recorded 15 of her career-high 20 points in the second half. In Coppin State's two games this week, Swails scored 36 points with 61 percent coming after intermission. This is the fifth time she has scored in double figures this season.
"Jordan always gives 100 percent and she gave us that," head coach
Derek Brown said. "She had a really good game."
Amber Griffin finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and a game-high five assists. With her career total now at 246, Griffin ranks eighth among the all-time assists leaders in school history.
Omaah Tayong earned double digits for the second consecutive game with 10 points. She also had eight rebounds, three steals, and a block. Tayong had 21 points and 18 rebounds during games this week.
The entire game was a back and forth battle of wills with nine ties and nine lead changes. With two minutes on the clock, the Eagles went on a 9-2 run to tie the score at 34 before heading into the locker room. Throughout the second half, Coppin State was plagued by foul calls that slowed its momentum.
The Eagles rallied, 67-66, thanks to an "and-one" play by
Genesis Lucas after a steal with 37 seconds remaining.
"We need to play a little smarter," Brown said. "It's not going to get any easier. We just have to manage the game better."
The Eagles shot 42.2 percent from the field and scored 44 of their points in the paint.
Three players scored in double figures for Howard led by Victoria Gonzales' 19 points. Sydni Johnson added 13 points while Cheyenne Brown tallied 11 points.
Coppin State returns to the Physical Education Complex next Saturday at 2 p.m. to host Bethune-Cookman in a MEAC contest.
"Every team is going to come after us hard,"
Jordan Swails said. "We don't want anyone to come on our court and win. We're going to have to be ready everytime we step on the floor."
UPCOMING PROMOTIONSMilitary Appreciation Night: The Coppin State University basketball teams will celebrate the Armed Services on Saturday, January 17, 2015. All active and retired service members will receive free admission to the Bethune Cookman-Coppin State basketball games by showing proper identification at the Physical Education Center box office. This is Coppin State's way of encouraging U.S. citizens to observe the afternoon in a symbol of unity, to honor the current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom. Armed Forces members will be recognized during the games.
Teacher Appreciation Night: The Coppin State University basketball teams will celebrate the many educators on Monday, January 19, 2015. All teachers will receive free admission to the Florida A&M-Coppin State basketball games by showing proper identification at the Physical Education Center box office.
