LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Edward Waters University women's basketball team made program history on Friday afternoon, earning a 55–46 victory over Division I Bethune-Cookman University in the opening round of the inaugural HBCU Hoops Invitational at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The win marks the Lady Tigers' first-ever victory over an NCAA Division I opponent since transitioning to the Division II ranks, cementing a milestone moment for EWU Athletics.
Behind a poised defensive effort and timely perimeter shooting, the Lady Tigers controlled the pace throughout the contest and delivered one of the most memorable wins in program history.
EWU was powered by the red-hot shooting of guard Tan Brown, who was unstoppable from beyond the arc. Brown knocked down five three-pointers and finished with a game-high 19 points, adding two rebounds, one assist, and one steal in a performance that set the tone for the Tigers on both ends of the floor.
Point guard Imani Harris also reached double figures, contributing 11 points, four assists, four rebounds, and two steals while orchestrating the EWU offense with efficiency and confidence.
Forward Shcira Fowles delivered a dominant effort on the glass, leading all players with 13 rebounds and five assists, while adding five points. Diana Letaru continued her strong play as well, posting six points, nine rebounds, and two steals as the Tigers controlled the interior throughout the matchup.
The Lady Tigers' balanced effort and defensive intensity held Bethune-Cookman to just 46 points, helping EWU secure one of the most significant wins in its Division II era.
With the victory, Edward Waters advances to the Championship Game of the HBCU Hoops Invitational, where they will face Hampton University in a high-stakes matchup to close out the historic tournament.
Edward Waters University celebrates this landmark win and looks ahead with confidence as the Lady Tigers continue to elevate the standard of EWU women's basketball.
FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete coverage of Edward Waters University Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWU_Athletics (Twitter), /EWUTigers (Facebook) and @EWU_Athletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Edward Waters Athletics at EWUTigerPride.com.
FOLLOW THE SIAC
Stay connected by following the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference on Facebook, Instagram and X @TheSIAC.
SIAC NEWS
Sign up for SIAC News to be among the first to receive media releases, updates and more!
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men's and seven women's sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit www.thesiac.com.