March Madness can be magic for many teams, and yesterday that held true for the Howard Unversity women’s basketball team.
On Wednesday the Bison made history not once but twice.
Not only did they play in the first First Four game after the NCAA women’s tournament expanded to 68 teams, but they also won their first NCAA tournament game in program history.
The 16th seeded MEAC champion faced off against Incarnate Word in their First Four game and defeated them, 55-51.
“We’re just grateful and blessed,” said Howard’s Brooklynn Fort-Davis. “We feel like superstars. We get to walk around with cameras everywhere, play on a big court, nice arena, nice lights.”
It was the fifth trip to the tournament for the Bison, their last coming in 2001.
Before last night they were 0-5 in those appearances. But now they have their first tournament victory, and it was done in historic fashion.
“I’m so thankful for these young women that made history tonight,” said Howard women’s head basketball coach Ty Grace. “I’m really proud of them and thank you to the Bison community for all their support. I’m elated and thankful to represent this proud University.”
Howard won’t have much time to enjoy their win. They have to prepare to face Dawn Staley and her number one overall ranked South Carolina Gamecocks squad on Friday afternoon.
South Carolina finished the season 29-2, which includes a shocking, last-second loss to Kentucky in the SEC Championship game. With that defeat still fresh in their minds, you know Staley and her team are itching to inflict some pain on their next opponent.
The Bison understand this and are ready.
“It’s another day to play,” said Fort-Davis about South Carolina. “It’s going to be a tough one, but we’ve played tough games all season long. We’re ready.”
