Columbia, MD - A stingy Howard defense held the Northern Virginia Nighthawks to just 18 first half points on their way to a convincing 71-46 win in the season opener for Howard.

The 0-2 Nighthawks came into the game following a close loss to Harford where George Howe went off for 27 points. However, he was not able to find similar success against the Dragons, as he was held to just three points in the game.

Howard jumped out of the gates with a fury, taking a 16-2 lead seven minutes into the game as Andrew Mills (Owings Mills, MD/Newtown) hit shot after shot on his way to an 11 point game. Jalen Bowie (Federick, MD/Federick) also chipped in nine first half points as it was a 38-18 halftime advantage for the Dragons.

NOVA stormed back midway through the second half, cutting the Howard lead down to 12 as they clawed their way back into contention. It was the aggressiveness of Koby Baptiste (New Carrollton, MD/Parkdale) that put a stop to it, as he scored 13 second half points in the paint on his way to a game high 15.

The overall effectiveness of Marquis Freeman (Manassas, VA/Fork Union Prep) was on display in the game, with 10 points, eight rebounds, five blocks, and three steals as the forward had a monster game for Howard.

The Dragons will continue their long home stretch early in the season when Anne Arundel comes to town on Monday, November 7 at 7 PM.