Columbia, MD - Despite an all-time performance from Jaylah Putman (Jacksonville, FL/Long Reach), the Howard Community College Dragons' women's basketball team fell to #3 CCBC Essex 99-56.

Putman tied the single-game record for three-pointers made with six, three of which came consecutively. Despite this record-tying performance, the Dragons simply had no answers for their conference foe. The loss marks the fourth-straight loss for the Dragons after their season-opening win.

Howard had revenge on the mind for Sunday's game, as their last match with the Knights was a Region 20 semifinals loss in March. This game would also mark the first conference game of the season for the Dragons after their original conference opener against Allegany was postponed. Essex quickly jumped out to an eleven-point lead, highlighting their incredible three-point shooting during the run. The Dragons focused on getting the ball inside to Hannah Chambers (Columbia, MD/Hammond) and Asaani Offer (Annapolis, MD/Catonsville), but the turnover trouble that has dogged the Dragons all season reared its ugly head. Howard committed 12 turnovers in the first quarter and trailed 33-13 after one.

The second quarter saw Jaylah Putman (Jacksonville, FL/Long Reach) take control of the game. With the inside lanes clogged up by Essex's massive forwards, Putman focused on shooting deep. Trailing by 30 with six minutes to go, Putman launched her first three attempt, which swished in. The Knights quickly responded with a Gigi Gamble jumper, only for Putman to hit her second three seconds later. Gamble scored again, only for Putman to step back and launch a third three that brought the Kahlert Center crowd to its feet. Putman would hit one more three before the half, her efforts cutting the lead down to 23.

Any chance of a comeback was ended in the third quarter. The Dragons came out flat and were held to just nine points in the quarter. Essex pulled their starters for the fourth, allowing their bench to up the score. Putman stayed hot, hitting two more threes to tie the modern era record for made three-pointers in a game. Essex would ultimately win 99-56, handing the Dragons their second-worst loss of the season.

Putman finished with 24 points, a new career-high. She also added six rebounds and two assists. Nicole Forbes (Reston, VA/South Lakes) added nine points, a block, and two steals, while Asaani Offer (Annapolis, MD/Catonsville) scored six points and three rebounds. Mariah Ruth (Lancaster, PA/McCaskey) added six points five rebounds, and a block, while Hannah Chambers (Columbia, MD/Hammond) scored six points and five rebounds. McKenzi Walters (Falls Church, VA/George C. Marshall) scooped up five rebounds.

The Dragons next face Montgomery College on Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 PM.