Rockville, MD - The Dragons soared to a dominant 71-56 win over the Montgomery College Raptors in the NJCAA Region 20 Quarterfinals, securing a redemption victory.

The Montgomery Raptors came out shooting, for a quick 17-7 lead in the first quarter. Howard struggled to find their rhythm, and trailed 26-15 after the opening frame.

But the second quarter saw a surge of energy for Howard. Back-to-back jump shots brought them within five points, and a clutch three from Madison Carey (Brandywine, MD/Frederick Douglass) cut the lead to two. A foul sent Carey to the line, where she sank both shots to tie the game. Raptors answer back with a basket, but Jaylah Putman (Jacksonville, FL/Long Reach) with an unforgettable response, drilled a three-pointer to give Howard their first lead of the night, 29-28. Asaani Offer (Annapolis, MD/Catonsville) able to add a couple in the paint, and Nhaikyia Smith (Waldorf, MD/St. Vincent Pallotti) found Putman once more for another three, and extends the lead to 6. A number of steals and turnovers on both sides of the court for an intense minute of play, but the silence was finally broken by Offer in the paint, capping off an 8-0 run for the Dragons. Both teams traded baskets in the final minutes, but Howard held on for a 38-35 halftime advantage. Howard dominated against Montgomery's offense in the second quarter, holding them to 26 percent shooting from the field, while the Dragons were able to convert 56 percent of their shots. 

The Dragons seized control after halftime, and clamped down on the Raptors offense. Mikiyah Mallett (Pasadena, MD/Old Mill) opened up in scoring in the third quarter, adding two on the inside. Smith getting in on the action from three-point range, cashing in a bucket, extending the lead as Howard began to pull away. Montgomery could only manage eighteen points in the combined second and third quarters. Howard dictating the tempo, and entered into the fourth with a commanding 62-44 lead.

A strong defensive effort put forth in the final quarter sealed the deal for the Dragons. With the clock winding down, Coach Eryn Barnes with a "no basket" call to her team to prevent another scoring opportunity for the Raptors. Howard completed a remarkable comeback with a dominant 71-56 victory over Montgomery College. 

Mallett and Offer completed the first round against Montgomery with double figures in a couple categories. Mallett finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Offer finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Smith followed with 14 points and 8 assists, Carey finished with 14 points and six rebounds, and Putman chipped in with 13 points and five rebounds. 

The Dragons advance to the semifinals where they will look to avenge a regular season loss to CCBC Essex on Friday, March 7 at 12 PM. The #1 seeded Knights are 23-6 on the season and 15-0 in the region, earning a bye into the semifinal round. Howard's previous run in with the Knights on February 19, left them with a 77-47 loss on the season.