Columbia, MD - A strong second quarter by the Dragons saw them down by just two at halftime, but ultimately were unable to hold onto a third quarter lead as they fell to Potomac State 58-52 in the season opener.

Down 22-11 midway through the second quarter, Howard made their run on back-to-back three point plays by Sabreen Muslim (Baltimore, Md./Baltimore City College) and Mia McCormick (Philadelphia, PA/River Hill) by a long range jumper by Ashlyn McInerney (Hyattsville, MD/Hammond) to cut the lead to six. Shanta Johnson (Upper Marlboro, MD/Suitland) made a layup and a late free throw and the Dragons were within striking range at 26-24 going into halftime.

Howard took their first lead midway through the third quarter on a 6-0 run as Muslim hit a midrange jumper to give the home team a 32-31 lead. The Dragons took their biggest lead in the fourth quarter as a Johnson three pointer made it a 46-42 game on an 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter for Howard.

Potomac State answered right back with an 8-0 run of their own and the Dragons were never able to comeback from that.

Muslim led the way with a double-double (19 points, 14 rebounds) with McInerney adding 15 points and McCormick chopping in 11. Johnson scored seven points along with seven assists, but the team shooting woes along with turnovers made it difficult on the Dragons.

Howard will have a quick turnaround as they host Brookdale on Saturday, November 3 at 1 PM.