Baltimore, MD - Howard Community College's six game losing streak ended Friday night as the Dragons defeated the Baltimore City Community College Panthers 62-37.

Facing a BCCC team with no available substitutes, the Dragons took full advantage. Howard's defense forced 29 turnovers and gobbled up 58 rebounds as they broke their streak to move to 2-6 on the season.

The Dragons got off to a slow start, trailing 11-3 to the Panthers through the first five minutes. A 12-0 Howard run brought the lead back to the Dragons, but they were out-rebounded and out-shot by the Panthers in the first. Both teams struggled with shooting in the second quarter, but Howard's defense held the Panthers to just five points. At the half, Howard led 25-17, their first halftime lead since their second game against Essex County.

The Dragons offense continued to struggle in the second half, though Kayden Jeselskis (Baltimore, MD/Rosedale Christian Academy) gave Howard a spark with two threes. Howard struggled to contain BCCC's newest player Nyana Rosser. Rosser scooped up 22 rebounds, giving the Dragons few chances for second-chance baskets. A 41-31 lead after three quarters gave the Dragons hope that the losing streak would end.

Finally, in the fourth quarter, the Dragons came alive. Howard held the Panthers to just six points while scoring 21 themselves. Mariah Ruth (Lancaster, PA/McCaskey) took control, scoring eight points and four rebounds to lead the Dragons in the period. A fast-break layup by Ruth gave the Dragons a 21-point lead, their largest of the season. Howard's final points game from Avery Richardson (Beltsville, MD/High Point), who buried a deep two-pointer that brought the visiting crowd to its feet.

Statistically, this was the best game of the year for the Dragons. Ruth led all scorers with 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one block, and five steals. Jaylah Putman (Jacksonville, FL/Long Reach) knocked down two threes, scored nine points, three rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Hannah Chambers (Columbia, MD/Hammond) added nine points, six rebounds, and four blocks. Tamir Whittle (Columbia, MD/Wilde Lake) had her best game since her early-season concussion, dropping seven points, four rebounds, and four assists. Kayden Jeselskis (Baltimore, MD/Rosedale Christian Academy) added six points, five rebounds, and a career-high five assists. Asaani Offer (Annapolis, MD/Catonsville) came close to a double-double with six points and seven rebounds, while McKenzi Walters (Falls Church, VA/George C. Marshall) scored a career-high eight rebounds.

The Dragons weekend continued on Saturday with the opening game of the Montgomery College Holiday Tournament against Wake Technical Community College.