Rockville, MD - The Howard Community College women's basketball team wrapped up their MC Holiday Tournament with a bang, defeating Middlesex College 63-56.

In a tight contest that saw several lead changes, four Dragons scored in double-digits as Howard finished with their second-most points in a game this season. The Dragons forced 25 turnovers and hit six threes to wrap up the first half of the season with three straight wins.

Sunday's match was a back-and-forth affair from the start. The two teams proved to be evenly matched, trading the lead throughout the first quarter. The Dragons focused on their deep ball shooting, hitting four of the six threes in this quarter. Middlesex was more effective from the paint, shooting 8-12 in the first. Up 18-16, the Dragons defense clamped down in the second. The Colts were held to just ten points, while Howard's front court took control of the game. Asaani Offer (Annapolis, MD/Catonsville) scored nine points in the paint, while McKenzi Walters (Falls Church, VA/George C. Marshall) snatched up five rebounds in just three minutes of action. A buzzer-beating three by Kayden Jeselskis (Baltimore, MD/Rosedale Christian Academy) at the end of the quarter gave Howard a 34-26 lead entering the half.

Out of the half, the Colts exploded on offense, dropping 19 points in the third. Howard kept things close thanks to solid free throw shooting, making seven out of eight shots from the line. While the defense had let Middlesex back into the game, the Dragons still led 52-45 with a quarter to play. Middlesex kept pushing closer, getting within four points halfway through the quarter, but that was as close as they would get. Four straight jumpers brought the Dragons lead back to double-digits, where the lead would hover through the final minutes. Howard had answers for ebery Middlesex comeback attempt, holding on to win 63-56.

Asaani offer had her best performance of the season points wise, scoring 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Mariah Ruth (Lancaster, PA/McCaskey) returned to the starting lineup, recording 13 points, three rebounds, and four steals. Zakiyyah Brown (Upper Marlboro, MD/Friendship Collegiate Academy), fresh off a career performance against Wake Tech, stayed hot with 11 points and four rebounds. Hannah Chambers (Columbia, MD/Hammond) controlled the paint, scooping up 13 rebounds and seven points. Tamir Whittle (Columbia, MD/Wilde Lake) added seven points off the bench along with two assists, while Kayden Jeselskis (Baltimore, MD/Rosedale Christian Academy) had six points.

The Dragons head into the winter break at 4-6, and will next face #4 ranked Union College on Saturday, January 4 at 1:00 PM.