Columbia, MD – The Dragons were able to hold off a late charge to pick up a critical conference victory as they defeated CCBC Catonsville 66-63.
 
The vaunted Howard defense was on point in the first half, giving up just 18 points in the opening 20 minutes of the game. The Dragons kept the momentum going as they built up a 23 point lead midway through the third quarter. CCBC Catonsville responded by going on a 20-0 run and eventually tied the game at 52-52 with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.
 
With the game starting to slip away from the Dragons, Brianna Jones (Largo, MD/Largo) took over the game despite fighting off an apparent leg injury throughout the second half as she scored nine straight Howard points as the two teams exchanged leads. With the game tied at 61-61, Mia McCormick (Philadelphia, PA/River Hill) drove into the lane and converted the old fashioned three point play to give Howard a lead that would not be relinquished.
 
Jones heroic efforts included 22 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks while Ashlyn McInerney (Hyattsville, MD/Hammond) hit five from long range to give her 17 points with nine rebounds and six assists. McCormick managed a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds and Kyrstin Bowen (Westminster, MD/Mount Airy Christian) continued her incredible season of swats with six blocks on the day.
 
Howard will take on another tough conference foe as they host Harford on Tuesday, January 14 at 5 PM.