Sanborn, NY – A first half of defensive excellence by the Dragons was nullified by a second half comeback as the #13 ranked Niagara County Thunder Wolves defeated the #16 ranked Howard team 64-60.
 
The Dragons went back and forth with Niagara early until a 13-0 run highlighted by a trio of layups by Daeshawn Eaton (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills) and a long range three by David Garey (Gaithersburg, MD/Hargrave Military) had Howard ahead 22-8. The Dragons defense was suffocating, allowing just four field goals in the first half as the Thunder Wolves shot just 21% from the floor with no made three pointers.
 
Carrying a 38-22 lead at halftime, Niagara started to mount a comeback with a 15-0 run out of the intermission with the Dragons being held scoreless for seven minutes of play. With the Thunder Wolves continuing to get momentum their way, Hollique Johnson (Millersville, MD/Old Mill) provided a spark for the Dragons with back-to-back layups with the second one having a free throw added to it to put Howard back ahead 44-37. DJ Tucker (Ellicott City, MD/Marriotts Ridge) fought his way to an offensive rebound and layup as Howard started to get back some control in the game.
 
The Thunder Wolves continued to find their shooting stroke with the long balls falling enough to get Niagara within four, but a couple of tough Garey layups extended the Dragons lead to eight. Niagara surged forward ahead again to made it just a two point Howard lead, but a great dish by Garey found Tucker for a layup to double the lead with four minutes.
 
After Niagara took the lead 59-58 on free throws, the Dragons turned the ball over without getting a shot off. Niagara made both free throws, but fouled Eaton who made two free throws back to still have Howard down by one with 11 seconds left. The Thunder Wolves made one free throw to extend their lead to two, giving the Dragons one last chance. Garey was able to drive the lane and put up a floater that went off the rim. Joel Webb (Forrestville, MD/Dr. Henry A. Wise) was able to tip the ball back in for what appeared to be the game tying basket, but an extremely controversial call by the referee adjudged it to be goaltending, allowing the ball to go Niagara to essentially close out the game.
 
Garey led the Dragons with 13 points and six assists while Eaton scored 11. Webb and Johnson scored from the front court with nine and eight points respectively.
 
Howard will look to avenge this loss in a quick turnaround as they take on Erie College on Sunday, November 14 at 11 AM.