Howard fell short in a bid for its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament title since 2001. The fourth-seeded Bison lost to top-seeded Coppin State, 74-69, in yesterday's semifinals at Richmond Coliseum.
Ebony Lacey scored 13 points to lead Howard (17-12). Brittany James and Shari Johnson each added 12 points.
Coppin State (22-7), which tied a school record with its seventh straight win, advanced to the final for the first time in 12 years. The Eagles, who will play Norfolk State at 4 p.m. today, are vying for their first NCAA tournament berth.
After falling behind 42-31 less than a minute into the second half, Howard rallied to tie the score at 44. Daisha Hicks scored five points during the 13-2 run. Before Howard could take the lead, Coppin State countered with a 10-0 scoring surge. As part of that run, Leisel Harry scored 15 consecutive points to help the Eagles go ahead, 65-53, with 6 minutes 10 seconds remaining.
Howard pulled within four with 1:02 left, but came no closer. The Bison turned over the ball twice and missed two free throws in the final minute.
Coppin State outscored Howard 48-22 in the lane.
