New Rochelle, NY - The Howard Community College Dragons wrapped up the MLK Classic at Monroe University with a weekend sweep, as they defeated Erie Community College 81-72.

Behind four double-digit scorers, the Dragons snagged their sixth-straight win to stay undefeated since the new year. The win over Erie gave the Dragons a final 7-2 record against out-of-conference opponents this season.

Howard quickly asserted themselves in the opening minutes, with big layups by Emanuel Henriques (Baltimore, MD/Benjamin Franklin) and a giant three by Christian Dean (Elkridge, MD/Long Reach) leading the Dragons to a 9-2 start. The Kats stayed tough, closing the gap off several threes and taking the lead five minutes into the game. Jaden Johnson's (Upper Marlboro, MD/Dr. Henry A. Wise) deep three swung momentum back to the Dragons, and three straight three-pointers from Sincere Barfield (Baltimore, MD/Patterson) brought the lead up to double-digits. Barfield stayed hot with his fourth straight three, and several layups later the Dragons led by 14. Erie would cut into the lead just a little, as the Dragons led 42-34 at the half.

Erie came out of the half hot, dropping the deficit down to four points. Howard responded in the paint, with tough baskets by Henriques and Dean bringing the lead back to double-digits. Must like the previous days game against Monroe Community College, the Dragons would build up a lead, only for Erie to get a run going and snake back into contention. But with Barfield not missing his shots, including yet another three-pointer, the Dragons were able to keep the deficit around ten points. With under five minutes to go, the Kats launched their toughest attack yet. They pulled within three points with four minutes to go, only to be stuffed by foul trouble. The Dragons didn't miss their free throws, building the lead back up to double digits. One last Erie rally was snuffed out before it truly began as the Dragons cruised to their thirteenth win of the season.

With five made threes, Sincere Barfield (Baltimore, MD/Patterson) set a new career-high as he dropped 21 points. Jaden Johnson (Upper Marlboro, MD/Dr. Henry A. Wise) dropped a season-high 18 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Dean added 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Henriques dropped 13 points, four rebounds, one block, and two steals. Anthony Djami (Paris, France/Brequigny) locked down the middle with six points, two rebounds, and one block.

The Dragons next travel to face Hagerstown Community College on Wednesday, January 22 at 7:00 PM.