WASHINGTON, DC -- K'lynn Willis and Ashley Bates scored 13 points apiece, while Allina Starr and Monnazjea Finney-Smith had 12 each as Howard knocked off Hampton 68-63 on Thursday night at Burr Gymnasium.

Neither team could do anything in the opening period as Hampton held an 8-5 lead afterone.  Both teams found their stride in the second as Willis had nine of her 13 in the second as Hampton pushed the lead to 12 with two minutes left on a Finney-Smith triple.

In the third, Howard went wild from behind the arc hitting 5-of-7 triples as Ayonna Williams and Jayla Thornton had two each as a Thornton 3-ball put Howard up 50-48 heading into the fourth.

The score was tied four times in the fourth quarter, the last being with 2:37 left on a layup by Bates to even the game at 59-all.  Down the stretch, Howard was 7-of-8 from the foul line in the final two minutes to keep Hampton at bay.

Finney-Smith hauled in 15 rebounds, while Starr hauled in a season high 10 boards to lead Hampton.  Willis and Starr had four assists for the Lady Pirates.

Asia McCants topped Howard with 16 points, and Williams added 11, seven boards and six assists.

Hampton returns to the HU Convocation Center on Saturday for the Battle of the Bay as the Lady Pirates take on Norfolk State at 4 pm.

For more information on Hampton University women's basketball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.