Columbia, MD - Behind a dominant display from Anthony Djami (Paris, France/Brequigny), the Howard Community College Dragons men's basketball team moved to 7-1 on the season, defeating Allegany College of Maryland 71-55.

The Dragons jumped out to an early lead, then held off a wild Allegany comeback to score their second-straight Region 20 win. Djami was the focal point of Howard's attack, dropping career highs in rebounds and points.

Howard set the tone of the game early, hitting back-to-back threes to open the contest. The Trojans struggled to figure out Howard's zone defense through the opening minutes, with Howard opening up a 17-9 lead halfway through the half. The Dragons lead was not safe though, as Allegany features some of the best three-point shooters in Region 20. A string of three-pointers, along with a lengthy Dragon scoring drought, brought the Trojans right back into the fold. Howard pushed the lead back to double-digits, courtesy of some nifty shooting by Myles McDuffie (Baltimore, MD/Lake Clifton), only for the Trojans to come roaring back. Leading by two with a minute left, Howard got a spark from Anthony Djami (Paris, France/Brequigny). After missing a three-pointer, Christian Dean (Elkridge, MD/Long Reach) was the recipient of Djami's sixth rebound of the half, which he converted into a three-pointer. Djami's seventh rebound became a McDuffie basket and a seven-point halftime lead for the Dragons.

Howard's goal in the second half was to limit Allegany's shooting, but seconds into the period the Trojans had already hit multiple threes. Allegany's strategy of baiting the Dragon's defenders into the paint, only to kick out to their outside shooters worked well, allowing the Trojans to tie the game at 37-37. However, the Trojans had no answers for Djami. Every missed shot was scooped up by the big man, and every pass to him in the paint resulted in a Dragon score. Howard reopened their double-digit lead, only for another string of Allegany three's to cut back into it. A Jaden Johnson (Upper Marlboro, MD/Dr. Henry A. Wise) deep three with seven minutes to go was the turning point. Howard's defense finally stepped up, stopping the Trojans shooting and allowing just two more baskets. Djami's continued dominance in the paint, plus big baskets from McDuffie, Arthur Roaché, and Emanuel Henriques (Baltimore, MD/Benjamin Franklin) built up a 16-point advantage at the end. Howard won comfortably 71-55, with Djami being subbed out late to a standing ovation.

Djami finished with a career-high 19 points and 20 rebounds. Roaché added eleven points and five rebounds, while Henriques added eleven points and six rebounds. Myles McDuffie (Baltimore, MD/Lake Clifton) scored ten points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Jaden Johnson (Upper Marlboro, MD/Dr. Henry A. Wise) notched ten points, five rebounds, and six assists.

The Dragons next gear up for the Hoop Here Get There Classic on Saturday, December 7 as they face national-ranked Monroe University at 2:00 PM.