Columbia, MD – A first half lead was quickly erased by a third quarter drought as the Garrett Lakers were able to defeat the Dragons 77-66.
 
Howard hit their long shots early on with Sarah Deese (Woodbine, MD/Century) hitting a long three followed by back-to-back threes by Nyla Thomas (Laurel, MD/James H. Blake) to help vault the Dragons to a 29-27 halftime lead.
 
The game turned early in the third quarter as the Lakers went on a 17-0 run to start the second half in a six minute stretch that would prove to be the difference in the game.
 
Howard made a furious late rally with Anhyia Smith (Clarksville, MD/River Hill) scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter and cut the Garrett lead to 73-66 on a steal and old fashioned three-point play. That would be the closest the Dragons would get as Garrett would make enough free throws to thwart the Howard comeback.
 
Smith led the way with 18 points while Mikiyah Mallett (Pasadena, MD/Old Mill) scored 14 points and 11 rebounds in her first start of the year. Julia Harrington (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore City College) added 13 points and eight rebounds while Nhaikyia Smith (Waldorf, MD/St. Vincent Pallotti) added 10 assists and nine rebounds despite a tough shooting night for the star guard.
 
Howard will return to their home court when Chesapeake comes to town on Tuesday, November 22 at 5 PM.