Final Score: Missouri 91, Howard 88 (OT)
Date: November 2, 2026
Location: Mizzou Arena | Columbia, Missouri
Competition: NCAA Women’s Basketball
GAME OVERVIEW
Howard University opened its 2026-27 campaign with an impressive performance against SEC opponent Missouri, but ultimately fell 91-88 in overtime.
The Bison demonstrated offensive balance, defensive activity, rebounding strength, and impressive bench production throughout the contest. Howard built a lead as large as 19 points and appeared to have control heading into the fourth quarter.
However, Missouri responded with a significant fourth-quarter surge, outscoring Howard 30-13 to force overtime. The Tigers carried that momentum into the extra period, eventually completing the comeback.
Despite the loss, Howard showed that it could compete against a Power Conference opponent, displaying several encouraging performances on both ends of the floor.
QUARTER-BY-QUARTER BREAKDOWN
FIRST QUARTER | Howard 22 – Missouri 15
Howard established its presence early, taking a seven-point advantage into the second quarter.
The Bison shot 50% from the field (9-of-18), demonstrating good offensive efficiency and the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Howard also established an early advantage in transition, generating eight points off Missouri turnovers during the first quarter.
Missouri struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, shooting 40% from the field.
What Howard did well:
Shot an efficient 50% from the field.
Created eight points off turnovers.
Established an early seven-point advantage.
Received early contributions from its offensive leaders.
SECOND QUARTER | Howard 16 – Missouri 18
Missouri began to settle into the game, outscoring Howard 18-16 in the second quarter. However, the Bison maintained their lead, entering halftime ahead 38-33.
Howard continued to distribute the basketball and received important contributions from its supporting players. Missouri showed improved offensive execution, including a 7-1 scoring response that helped close the gap.
The Bison did a good job maintaining their composure and preventing Missouri from taking control before halftime.
What Howard did well:
Maintained its halftime advantage.
Continued to receive contributions from multiple players.
Stayed competitive despite Missouri’s increased offensive pressure.
Entered halftime with a five-point lead.
THIRD QUARTER | Howard 31 – Missouri 19
This was arguably Howard’s strongest quarter of the night.
The Bison exploded offensively, scoring 31 points while holding Missouri to 19. Howard shot 52.6% from the field (10-of-19) and an impressive 50% from three-point range (4-of-8).
Howard’s offensive execution created separation, and the Bison eventually established their largest lead of the game at 19 points late in the quarter.
The bench also became a major factor, contributing 15 points during the period.
Howard demonstrated its ability to score at multiple levels while creating opportunities through its depth and offensive execution.
What Howard did well:
Scored a game-high 31 points in the quarter.
Shot 52.6% from the field.
Connected on 50% of its three-point attempts.
Received 15 bench points.
Built its largest lead of the contest at 19 points.
FOURTH QUARTER | Howard 13 – Missouri 30
The fourth quarter completely changed the direction of the game.
Missouri came out with increased urgency and began applying pressure offensively. The Tigers outscored Howard 30-13, erasing the deficit and forcing overtime.
McKenzie Mathurin played a significant role in the comeback, knocking down a three-pointer that helped ignite a 15-2 Missouri run.
Howard struggled to maintain its earlier offensive rhythm, shooting just 29.4% from the field (5-of-17) and 16.7% from three-point range (1-of-6).
Missouri also generated 12 points in the paint and capitalized on opportunities at the free-throw line.
Despite holding a four-point lead with just over a minute remaining, Howard was unable to close out the contest in regulation.
What Missouri did well:
Outscored Howard 30-13.
Created a 15-2 scoring run.
Increased offensive pressure.
Attacked the paint and generated free-throw opportunities.
Found timely baskets to erase the deficit.
OVERTIME | Howard 6 – Missouri 9
The extra period featured a tightly contested finish, but Missouri ultimately made the necessary plays to secure the victory.
Nevaeh Caffey scored five points in overtime to help Missouri establish a three-point advantage. Tanyuel Welch converted four free throws to help seal the comeback.
Howard was unable to generate enough offense in the final five minutes, falling just three points short.
HOWARD’S TOP PERFORMERS
April Edwards – 15 points
Edwards led the Bison in scoring, providing an important offensive contribution. She finished 4-of-14 from the field, connected on two three-pointers, and converted five of six free throws.
Zoe Stewart – 14 points
Stewart helped establish Howard’s early offensive rhythm. Despite foul trouble limiting her playing time, she finished with 14 points.
Destiny Bynum-Johnson – 13 points, 11 rebounds
Bynum-Johnson recorded a double-double, providing a strong presence on the glass while contributing offensively.
Sa’lah Hemingway – 13 points
Hemingway delivered an efficient performance, shooting 5-of-6 from the field and 2-of-2 from three-point range.
Indiah Hutchinson – 12 points
Hutchinson provided valuable bench production, giving Howard another offensive option.
Saniya Jones – 8 points, 10 rebounds
Jones made an impact on the boards, shooting a perfect 4-of-4 from the field.
Rayne Durant – 7 points, 10 rebounds
Durant contributed another strong rebounding performance, helping Howard finish with 51 total rebounds.
THE NUMBERS THAT TELL THE STORY
Statistical Category
Howard
Missouri
Final Score
88
91
Field Goal %
44.6%
37.2%
Three-Point %
33.3%
30.0%
Free Throw %
62.5%
64.3%
Total Rebounds
51
51
Assists
15
8
Turnovers
18
18
Steals
9
10
Blocks
7
2
Points in the Paint
34
40
Fast-Break Points
9
23
Second-Chance Points
25
20
Bench Points
37
9
WHAT DECIDED THE GAME?
1. Missouri’s ability to get to the free-throw line
Perhaps the biggest statistical difference was at the charity stripe. Missouri attempted 42 free throws and converted 27. Howard attempted 24 and made 15.
That gave Missouri a 12-point advantage in made free throws.
2. Transition defense
Missouri finished with a 23-9 advantage in fast-break points. Although Howard generated nine steals, the Tigers were more effective at converting opportunities into transition offense.
3. Fourth-quarter execution
Howard entered the fourth quarter with a 17-point lead. Missouri responded with a 30-point quarter, while Howard managed just 13.
The difference in late-game execution ultimately forced overtime.
4. Howard’s bench production
One of the biggest positives for the Bison was their depth. Howard’s bench outscored Missouri’s bench 37-9.
That is a 28-point advantage in bench scoring and an encouraging sign for Howard moving forward.
DEAN OF HOOPS FINAL TAKE
There is a lot for Howard to take away from this performance despite the disappointing result.
The Bison shot better from the field, matched Missouri in total rebounds, recorded seven blocks compared to Missouri’s two, and received outstanding production from their bench.
However, basketball is a 40-minute game, and the fourth-quarter collapse exposed areas that need improvement.
Howard must improve its late-game offensive execution, transition defense, and ability to close out opponents when holding a significant lead.
The most encouraging takeaway is that Howard demonstrated it could compete offensively and physically against an SEC opponent.
A three-point overtime loss does not erase the positives from this performance. It does, however, provide valuable film and teaching opportunities as the season progresses.
FINAL WORD: Howard showed it can compete. Now the challenge is learning how to finish.
Dean of Hoops — Breaking Down the Game Beyond the Final Score.