Essex, MD - The Dragons were unable to overcome a slow start as they fell to the #5 nationally ranked CCBC Essex Knights 77-47. Howard falls to 14-6 overall and 7-3 in the region as they now sit at fifth place in the standings.

Howard struggled offensively in the first quarter, falling behind 18-5 after the opening 10 minutes of play. The Dragons found some momentum in the second quarter as Nhaikyia Smith (Waldorf, MD/St. Vincent Pallotti) hit a three pointer followed by an Asaani Offer (Annapolis, MD/Catonsville) three point play. Madison Carey (Brandywine, MD/Frederick Douglass) and Mikiyah Mallett (Pasadena, MD/Old Mill) were able to make layups late to end the first half on a high note despite Howard being behind 36-19 at the intermission.

Jaylah Putman (Jacksonville, FL/Long Reach) started the second half well with a long range three pointer as Zakiyyah Brown (Upper Marlboro, MD/Friendship Collegiate Academy) added another later in the quarter. Despite playing tough defense throughout, the Dragons were never able to get back within striking range as the Knights secured their ninth win in the last 10 games. 

Smith led the way for Howard with 12 points and 4 assists while Mallett scored 14. Offer finished the game with 8 points while Carey and Putman finished with 5 each.

Howard will next travel to Chesapeake College on Friday, February 23 at 5 PM. The Skipjacks are fighting for a playoff spot as they currently sit in seventh place for the region. Howard has a two game winning streak against Chesapeake including their last meeting being in the Region 20 tournament quarterfinals by the score of 57-41.