Elon Women Fall to Howard, Early Season Momentum Stalls

Elon University’s women’s basketball team struggled to overcome a physical and accurate Howard University squad in a November 15 matchup that ended 56 to 46 in favor of the Bisons. Howard controlled the early portion of the game with strong outside shooting and a physical style of play, and Elon was unable to mount a sustained rally in the second half.

The loss followed a bounceback win for Elon on November 10, which had suggested the Phoenix were regaining form. Instead the Howard game exposed persistent issues on offense and in containing perimeter shooting that will demand attention from coaching staff as the non conference portion of the schedule continues. Elon was scheduled to travel to play Georgetown on November 24, adding another road test that will arrive quickly after this setback.

For residents of Alamance County and members of the Elon community the result has a number of practical implications. Early season games shape opportunities for player development and rotations, influence roster decisions, and affect student and community engagement at home contests. Road trips require logistical and academic coordination for student athletes and produce fewer opportunities for local fans to attend. The loss may alter expectations for attendance and local support as the team seeks to regain momentum.

Game details and play by play reporting were covered in Elon News Network sports coverage by Blair Mitchell on November 16, 2025, where readers can find a fuller account. As the Phoenix move further into regular season play, local supporters and university decision makers will watch whether the coaching staff can address defensive lapses and offensive consistency in time to protect home court advantage and to navigate a compact schedule that includes significant travel.